History
BackHead of Department: Mr J Pratt
Teachers: Mr G Chisholm, Ms R Codlin, Mr A Hammond, Mr I Marris, Ms A Murphy, Mr S Rockell, Ms J Scholfield, Mrs M Stevens, Mr J Stuart
The aim of the History department is to illuminate the past and present with leaders of the future and we aim to do this by encouraging commitment, curiosity and courage with all our students. We believe that in a rapidly changing world, History equips students with the skills and knowledge to be able to understand why these changes have happened, how important they are, the impact of these changes and the individual stories that underpin them. Through the content learned, students will emerge from their studies with a stronger grasp of why events happen in the way they do and why historians have different views about the past. They will also learn how to analyse a range of different sources, looking for hidden meanings, and be able to articulate both verbally and in a written format coherent and well-substantiated arguments, which will help them both in their exams, where we have consistently achieved high level GCSE and A Level results, and for their next steps beyond school education. [Updated 2025/26]
Co-curricular activities
- Previous KS3 trips have included Battle Abbey (Year 7) and Ypres (Year 9)
- Previous KS4 trips have included Berlin and the Imperial War Museum, London (both Year 10) and Whitechapel, London (Year 11)
- Previous KS5 trips have included the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, the RAF Museum in London, and France and Belgium for the British experience of warfare unit
- Debating Society.
A people without knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.
(Marcus Garvey)
Years 7, 8 and 9
GCSE: Years 10 and 11
A Level: Years 12 and 13
Course content: The A Level History course allows students to develop a deepened historical knowledge and understanding of a number of pivotal periods and events that have shaped the world we live in today. The course will enable you to develop important transferable skills including, critically evaluating evidence, researching and using historical documents, producing reasoned and thoughtful arguments, presentation and interpersonal skills. History is an academic subject and consequently, it is well respected by universities and gives access to a wide range of employment opportunities.
|
Unit |
Outline |
A Level |
|---|---|---|
|
1
|
Breadth study with interpretations: Russia, 1917–1991: from Lenin to Yeltsin Students will study the communist government, industrial and agricultural change, control of the people and social developments between 1917 and 1985. Students will also consider the reasons for the collapse of the USSR c.1985–91. The exam involves three essay questions with the latter of the three assessing different interpretations of the collapse of the USSR under Gorbachev. |
30%
|
|
2
|
Depth study: The German Democratic Republic, 1949–90 An in-depth study of the German Democratic Republic from its formation after World War Two to its collapse in 1990. Students will be required to complete both a depth essay as well as a source-based question. |
20%
|
|
3
|
Themes in breadth with aspects in depth: The British experience of warfare, c.1790–1918 Students will investigate the changing nature and experience of warfare from the Napoleonic wars through the Crimean War and Second Boer War to the end of World War One. The exam involves three essays: one focused on depth, one focused on breadth and one source-based question. |
30%
|
|
4
|
Interpretations of Appeasement during the 1930s – Coursework Students complete an independently researched enquiry on three historical interpretations about the appropriateness of appeasement. This unit requires students to complete a 3,000–4,000 word essay. |
20%
|
Exam board: Edexcel
Careers Education
- The Department has a successful track record of students proceeding to study History, Politics or International Relations at University. A number of students have gone on to study the subject at Oxbridge.
- The Department provides specific guidance to students applying for History and develops important skills outside the classroom through the Debating Society, extensive reading lists and a wide range of books that help students to investigate Historical periods outside of the curriculum.
- The Department also provides advice for those students who require extra support for any applications to higher education.