History

Why study History?

Understanding past events and people and their significance gives students a better insight into the world around them. We believe in the importance of not just learning history but learning from history. The study of History equips pupils with the ability to critically analyse source material, assess the merits of different arguments, hone their debating skills, and recognise bias and propaganda.

How will I study history?

Pupils study History through big enquiry questions. Each enquiry covers a sequence of lessons. At the end of that sequence of lessons pupils are equipped to formulate their own answer to the enquiry. These are genuine historical debates amongst academic historians. Pupils learn historical concepts that are revisited regularly in different periods of time, locations and people allowing pupils to gain a deeper understanding. Alongside this, pupils learn to be historians developing their disciplinary knowledge understanding methods of historical enquiry, how evidence is used to make historical claims and understand why there are different interpretations of the past.

What will I study at key stage 3?

In Year 7, pupils gain a chronological understanding of the development of Britain through the lens of religion, state and society from the medieval period to present day. Pupils learn how Britain evolved from a Catholic state to a Protestant one and developed from an absolute monarchy to a Republic and onto a constitutional monarchy. Pupils explore how key events in Britain connected to the wider world, as well as having a chronological timeline, and the long-term impacts that resonate today bringing the past into the present.

In Year 8, pupils gain a thematic understanding of the development of Britain through the lens of religion, state, industry, empire and society during the Early Modern Era and the Modern Era. Pupils will explore the origins of the British Empire, and the impact of colonisation on the conquered and the conquerors, as well as the impact of industrialisation on Britain.

In Year 9, pupils gain a thematic understanding of the development of Britain, through ideas such as fascism and communism, in the Modern Era. Pupils gain an understanding of the challenges for Britain, Europe and the wider world in the Modern Era. Pupils learn about the significance of both world wars and the importance of the League of Nations in attempting to maintain peace between the wars.

What will I study at key stage 4?

At Key Stage 4, pupils take a Modern depth study on Germany 1890-1945. Pupils study Weimar and Nazi Germany. This covers the Weimar Republic, Hitler’s rise to power, Nazi control and dictatorship, life in Nazi Germany.
As a thematic study, pupils study Britain: Health and the people: c1000 to the present day . This unit explores key questions, such as:

• Why has there been progress in the health of the British people?
• How and why has the pace and scale of medical development varied at different times?
• What impact has medical progress had on people and society?
• How and why have different factors been more important than others for individual medical developments?
• What is the significance of key individuals or events in the history of medical development?

As a British depth study, pupils explore early Elizabethan England. They focus on the Queen, government and religion, challenges to Elizabeth I at home and abroad, and Elizabethan society and the age of exploration. They will also explore a specific Elizabethan site in depth focusing on its historical context and examining the relationship between a specific place and associated historical events and developments.

In addition, pupils undertake a period study focusing on conflict and tension: the inter-war years, 1918–1939. This covers concepts such as national self-determination, ideas of internationalism and the challenges of revising the peace settlement. It focuses on the causes of the Second World War and seeks to show how and why conflict occurred and why it proved difficult to resolve the issues which caused it.

What will I study at key stage 5?

During Key Stage 5, we study The Tudors 1485-1603 as well as The American Dream: reality and illusion, 1945–1980. Through the study of The Tudors, students are able to chart the development of England under the Tudor dynasty through the lens of society, religion, foreign affairs and domestic policy. We will make comparisons between the different monarchs and ask questions about power and how it is exercised as well as how control works in government. As a breadth study, The Tudors allows students to understand the history of over 100 years in a thematic approach.

In the study of The American Dream: reality and illusion from 1945-80, students will undertake a depth study into the challenges faced by the USA at home and abroad as it emerged from the Second World War as a Superpower. For many Americans, post-war prosperity realised the ‘American dream’ but the prosperity was not shared by all and significant problems at home and abroad challenged the extent to which the ‘American dream’ was a reality. We explore concepts and ideas such as American identity at home and abroad, anti-communism, social equality, ethnic identities and federal versus states’ rights. Students to reflect on the nature of democracy in a pluralist society, political protest and the power of the media. 

Assessment at key stage 4

History AQA 8145

Assessment at key stage 5

History AQA 7042 – Year 13

Careers

The study of History can lead to future careers ranging from Researcher, Museum Archivist and Journalist to Librarian, Business Consultant and Editor. Famous History graduates include Louis Theroux (documentary filmmaker, author), Jonathan Ross (TV presenter), Joe Biden (US President) and Gordon Brown (ex-British Prime Minister).

Useful Resources and Revision Support

• AQA History GSCE (8145)
• AQA History A Level (7042)
• BBC Bitesize History
• Active History
• John D Clare
• School History