History

Seeking to develop independent enquirers

History helps you to understand the present by investigating the past. It can fire your curiosity by allowing you to investigate the decisions made in the past and the reasons for them. It helps you understand who you are, helps give you a sense of place and a sense of identity. It gives you an appreciation of other cultures and their contributions to Britain and the wider world.

It helps you understand where Britain fits into the wider world and how this has changed over time. You are able to investigate, evaluate and interpret past actions. You can develop the ability to read source material with discrimination, asking questions of it. You can develop your skills as an independent thinker and learner. You will understand why we study certain events, why do we remember, why do things from the past matter. You will be prepared for life beyond the classroom. Your skills, knowledge and innate sense of curiosity will be encouraged to thrive and these are the skills that will take you through life.

"Only a good-for-nothing is not interested in his past." Sigmund Freud

Key Stage 3

History at Key Stage 3 looks at developing a range of key concepts, such as ‘chronological understanding’, ‘diversity’, ‘cause and consequence, and ‘significance’. There is also an emphasis on developing skills such as ‘enquiry’, ‘using evidence’, and ‘communicating about the past’. These skills are developed through the study of a number of phases and aspects of history. Key Stage 3 History looks at Britain and the wider world, and the relationship between the two. Within Year 7 the focus is on medieval Britain, and there is also an investigation of Native Americans. In Year 8 the emphasis is on Britain between 1485 and 1750, and an investigation of the Industrial Revolution. In Year 9 students investigate the topic of slavery, and also study the Twentieth Century World. Assessment is via regular checking of students’ books, as well as a number of more formally set tasks through the year. These develop a variety of skills, and investigate the topic currently being studied. For example, Year 9 assessments focus on slave transport and World War One. Visits throughout KS3 include Portchester Castle with Year 7, and Seacity Museum in Southampton with Year 8, both visits complementing the work done in class. An optional Year 9 trip to Belgium supports work on World War One, and more generally the importance of remembrance.

KS3 History Steps

Key Stage 4

Why study History?

Donald Trump’s election victory shocked the World! But, to historians this isn’t the first time that a leader has come to power promising something different. In fact, it’s quite a regular occurrence.

Recent events show us how rapidly the world can change. Many of these changes have their roots in the huge upheavals of the twentieth century. As well as this, it’s important that we can see broad sweeps of history, and understand some pivotal moments in our own nation’s development. By the end of the GCSE course you will have a good understanding of how we make sense of the past. The course develops skills such as the analysis and use of source material, the ability to select relevant information and use it effectively, and the ability to frame an effective argument. You will develop the all- important skill of being focused in answers, so don’t be put off by thinking that it’s all about loads of writing – it isn’t!

You will come across a variety of teaching and learning styles. You will debate. You will make notes. You will think deeply through issues. Your book will contain work presented in a variety of ways. You’ll do plenty of practice questions as we go, so that you are ready for the exams when they come! We always aim to run an overseas trip as part of the course.

Students who study History find it invaluable in any career where there is the need to communicate clearly, put forward an argument, or understand the world we live in. For example, careers in law, or journalism. But it is also useful for careers in the Sciences, where concise, clear reports are needed. History is a widely respected qualification. By taking it you are sending out a strong message about your ability, and your interest in the world around you.

Outline of syllabus content:

Our GCSE History course examines some of the significant events in modern history and attempts to explain how and why they took place, as well as their impact. It also looks at a topic across a broad period, and a pivotal period in British history

We investigate Germany from 1890 to 1945. This was a period of massive change, turbulence and chaos. It was a period when democracy appeared, and collapsed, ushering in the dark days of Nazism. We study Nazi Germany up to its downfall in 1945, but also, crucially, the period before the Nazis came to lead Germany. What on earth happened that meant that Hitler could come to power?

We also investigate the World between the World Wars. We look at how the peace deals at the end of World War One helped cause World War Two. We look at attempts to keep the peace, and we look at the causes of World War Two. Understanding this crucial period in World history really helps you understand some of the issues facing the World today.

We look at an aspect of British history over the last 1000 years – to develop understanding of an issue over time. The issue we will investigate is changes in the nation’s health, from the Black Death up to the modern era of transplants and antibiotics. This is a fascinating (and sometimes slightly gruesome!) delve into our nation’s social history.

We also study the pivotal phase of our nation’s history that was Elizabethan England – looking not just at the landmark events such as the defeat of the Spanish Armada, but also whether it was truly a ‘Golden Age’.

If you want to understand how our World has developed, and where it might be going, then GCSE History is the course for you.

Assessment

You will do two exams, both at the end of Year 11 and worth 100% of the final grade. Both exams are 2 hours long. Paper 1 focuses on ‘World History’. Paper 2 focuses on British history. Both exams test a variety of historical skills, including the ability to analyse sources, and to develop, and sustain, an argument.

Exam specification information http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/history/gcse/history-8145