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.

History KS3
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
  • Autumn Term – Students study The Smelly Side of history; Britain from 1066 – 1500 including Why William won the Battle of Hastings and the impact of the Black Death
  • Autumn Term – Students study Britain from 1500 – 1750 including the reign of Elizabeth I and the English Civil War.
  • Spring Term – Students study Britain from 1066 – 1500 including the importance of castles and threats to English Kings.
  • Spring Term – Students study the causes and events of the French Revolution drawing comparisons with the English Revolution.
  • Summer Term – Students study Britain from 1500 -1750 including the reign of Henry VIII and why he broke away from Rome.
  • Summer Term – Students study Britain from 1750 – 1900 including the Industrial Revolution and the Atlantic Slave Trade.

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.

History KS4
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
  • Autumn – Jack the Ripper*, The Suffragettes* and World War One*
  • Autumn – The People’s Health, c.1250 – Present and The Norman Conquest
  • Autumn – The Making of the USA 1789 – 1900
  • Spring – Weimar Germany* and Nazi Germany
  • Spring – The Norman Conquest
  • Spring – Revision
  • Summer – Nazi Germany, The People’s Health and c.1250 – Present
  • Summer – History Around Us – Portchester Castle
  • Summer – Exam

 

* 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.