History
History provides our students with the core skills needed to not only process information, but to also draw upon relevant facts and viewpoints so that they may situate them contextually in a form of critical analysis; in so doing, preparing them to make their own judgement, put forward their own point of view and balance this to respond to questions that may be asked of them. These skills are invaluable in a modern and discerning society, and through honing these skills we believe we are adequately preparing our students for adult life, so that they may be both sceptical and empathetic in equal parts whenever necessary.
KS3 Curriculum
At Key Stage 3 students start to broaden their knowledge of selected periods in preparation for the GCSE which they start in Year 10. The topics they consider at Key Stage 3 are: The Slave Trade, The Civil Rights Movement, The Holocaust, The Home Front 1914-1945. Students learn to identify causes and consequences of events and their significance. In addition, it is hoped that students begin to evaluate and challenge the veracity of historical sources, so developing their analytical skills in readiness for Key Stage 4.
KS4 Curriculum
Students prepare for the WJEC/Eduqas GCSE in History. It is anticipated that students will develop their interest in and enthusiasm for history and its intrinsic value and significance.
For GCSE there are two components:
Studies in Depth – this includes a British and a Non-British Study
Studies in Breadth – this includes Period Studies and Thematic Studies.
It is hoped that students will develop an awareness of how aspects of life at the period of time in question have been represented and interpreted and the impact they have had on the wider historical debate. Students are expected to address the key questions in each topic area using a range of historical sources. They will develop a critical appreciation of how and why different interpretations have been put forward about historically significant people, events and developments in the area under study.
The Elizabethan Age
Component 1
British Studies in Depth
The Elizabethan Age,
1558-1603
​
This option focuses in depth on selected themes and issues relating to the history of England during the Elizabethan Age, from 1558 to 1603. Candidates will be required to consider the major influences on political and social life during the period as well as the issue of religious controversy.
Germany in Transition
Component 1
Non-British Study in Depth
Germany in Transition, 1919-1939
This option focuses in depth on selected themes and issues relating to the history of Germany from 1919-1939. Candidates will be required to consider the impact of the First World War on Germany, the recovery of the Weimar Republic, the factors which led to the rise of the Nazis and the impact of the Nazi regime upon the lives of the German people.
Development of the USA
Component 2
Period Studies
The Development of the USA, 1929-2000
​
This option focuses on the key trends and turning points that have affected the development of the USA between1929 and 2000. Candidates will be required to consider the developments, events and personalities which have shaped the recent history of the USA.
Crime & Punishment in Britain
Component 2
Thematic Studies
Changes in Crime and Punishment in Britain, c.500 to the present day
This option focuses thematically on the main trends in the history of crime and punishment in Britain from c.500 to the present day. Candidates will be required to consider the causes and types of crime, law enforcement, combating and punishment of crime and changing attitudes towards crime and punishment over time.