Subjects
History

Mr Kinnison
History is a compulsory subject at Key Stage 3 and a very popular option subject for both GCSE and A level. There are currently 12 GCSE groups and 5 A level groups. The study of history is a window into the past that provides understanding of the present-day, and how individuals, nations, and the global community might develop in the future. Historical study instructs how societies came to be and examines cultural, political, social, and economic influences across time and space. The study of history helps instruct one in skills that have universal application, no matter what one’s life work might become. Students of history learn good habits of thought. They analyse ideas and data, and develop original interpretations of such materials. They are also schooled in expressing themselves well, both verbally and in writing, essential skills whether one becomes a teacher, doctor, lawyer, businessperson, consultant, nurse—or whatever calling one may choose. Historical studies also offer flexibility in the pursuit of jobs.
Aims
- For students to select and recall information from the past in order to answer historical questions.
- For students to understand how the past has been interpreted in different ways.
- For students to use a wide range of sources in order to examine the past.
- For students to understand the causes and consequences of a number of events in our past.
- For students to understand the significance of key people and events in our history.
- To promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and to prepare all pupils for theopportunities, responsibilities and experiences of the present and the future.
Content
Year 7 |
Year 8 |
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Key assessment details
History is an academic subject and a high standard of work is expected from pupils. Homework
is set regularly and students’ progress is closely monitored through class work, assessments, and records of achievement. There are a number of assessments in the year with a different focus of skill in each one.
Aims
• To develop and extend their knowledge and understanding of specified key events, periods and societies in local, British and wider world history; and of the wide diversity of human experience
• To engage in historical enquiry to develop as independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers
• To develop the ability to ask relevant questions about the past, to investigate issues critically and to make valid historical claims by using a range of sources in their historical context
• To develop an awareness of why people, events and developments have been accorded historical significance and how and why different interpretations have been constructed about them
• To organise and communicate their historical knowledge and understanding in different ways and reach substantiated conclusions.
Content
Year 9 |
Year 10 |
Year 11 |
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* Transition Units (these are not part of the GCSE)
Key assessment details
In years 9 and 10 students will be assessed regularly using class knowledge tests, GCSE examination-style tasks, end of unit exams as well as homework. There will be a formal assessment during each year where students will be tested on the main topic areas.
In year 11 students will sit three external written exams in May/June.