History

We cover the Key Stage 3 History curriculum in Years 7, 8 and 9. Topics covered include the Norman invasion, medieval life, the Industrial Revolution, slavery and the slave trade, the First World War and the Holocaust.

At Key Stage 4 we teach Pearson Edexcel GCSE 9-1 History. The topics taught are:

• Weimar and Nazi Germany, 1918-39
• Medicine in Britain, c1250-present
• Early Elizabethan England, 1558-1588
• Superpower Relations and the Cold War, 1941-91

Subject Staff
Ms P Fisher – Subject Leader
Mrs F Tarbox – Teacher
Mrs R Mason – Teacher

Quotes from students

‘History has helped me to become more aware of the past and present. I feel I’m a more rounded person thanks to History’.

‘History doesn’t only strengthen your knowledge in fascinating topics, but also your strengths in written communication.’

‘I really enjoy History because you get to know about the past and how much society has changed. I have particularly enjoyed finding out about both world wars and how people fought through them.’

‘History is a really interesting and enjoyable subject’.

Awarding Body 
Pearson Edexcel

Useful Websites
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/history-2015.html

This webpage has the specification, sample assessment materials and other information  about this specification.

Subject Staff 
Ms P Fisher – Subject Leader
Mrs F Tarbox – Teacher

Student Comments

“History is a really good subject to study as you learn about many important events which happened in the past, and it is really interesting to learn how these events affected different people.”

“If you like History at GCSE then you’ll love History at A-Level.”

“I thoroughly enjoy A-Level History because you get to learn how issues in the past have affected our lives today.”

“Having enjoyed GCSE History, I decided to continue it to A-Level and I am glad I did!”

“Studying A-Level History allows you to develop your knowledge about the world.  The debates and discussions in class allow you to see other perspectives.”

Course Requirements
5 GCSEs at grade 5 or above, which must include GCSE History at Grade 5 or above

Course Description
In Year 12, students will study the experiences of two European countries of the development of the political ideas of nationalism, dictatorship and democracy in the twentieth century:

• Germany and West Germany, 1918-89
• The rise and fall of fascism in Italy, c1911–46

In Year 13, students will study the history of protest, agitation and parliamentary reform in Britain from c1780–1928.  This option explores the relationship between authority and mass agitation in Britain, and the struggle for greater democracy.  Issues covered include changes to the franchise (right to vote), the Chartist movement and the Suffragettes.  Students will also complete an independently researched coursework essay on  an  aspect of Russian history c1850-1945.

Assessment
For those students taking the AS-Level qualification there will be two examinations at the end of Year 12.

For those students taking the full A-Level qualification there will be three examinations at the end of Year 13, and an internally marked coursework essay.

Progression 
History can be used as an entry qualification for a wide range of courses at University or College, including Law, Business and Humanities subjects.  It is also a highly regarded qualification by employers in a wide range of areas.

Every year we offer a very popular 3 day trip to the First World War battlefields. This is open to students in Year 10.

Every 2 years we organise a residential trip to Berlin which is open to students in Years 12 and 13