History Department

History is a very popular subject at both GCSE and A level. A knowledge of the past helps to provide students with an understanding of the world today. Studying History helps students to understand how the world today has been shaped by events and people in the past.

Wherever you look in society historians are playing a key role, be it in politics, entertainment or business. This is because the study of History provides young people with those essential skills such as communication, analysis and debate much prized by employers. Therefore it is excellent grounding for a career in law, business or management.

KS3

In year 9 the students are taught in ability bands (higher, middle and lower) for 3 periods over a fortnight. We study the key developments from 1750 through to the modern world. Topics include changes in transport, living and working conditions, the Titanic,and the impact of warfare on technology and society.

KS4

At GCSE we study the Edexcel Modern World: Syllabus A. This is a modular course split over two years.

Unit 1.The emphasis of this course is on international relations 1900-39.

Unit 2. A depth study looking at Germany 1918-39.

Unit 3. A source enquiry on; War and the transformation of British Society 1900-29.

Unit 4. Controlled assessment; this will be on the USA in the 1920’s and 30’s.

A Level

We presently study the Edexcel course.

At AS level the course comprises: Unit 1 Russia 1881-1924 and Black Civil Rights in the USA 1948-68.

Unit 2: Britain 1945-1990; British political history; consensus and conflict.

At A2 level course comprises: Unit 3: Superpower rivalry; The Cold War 1944-90.

Unit 4: All students complete an individual assignment from a range of topics.