History

The History curriculum at KS3 allows students to explore a range of British and global history and looks to progress their ability to write convincing explanations; analyse evidence; ask perceptive questions; and form opinions around key historical concepts.

GCSE History (Edexcel Specification)

History at GCSE level develops independence so that students can confidently tackle a range of depth and breadth studies and write about them coherently. It engages students more deeply in the skills required to be able to form judgements about the utility and validity of sources and interpretations.

• Medicine in Britain, c.1250-present
• The British sector of the Western Front; injuries, treatment and the trenches
• The American West, c.1835-1895
• Early Elizabethan England, 1558-1588
• Weimar and Nazi Germany, 1818-1939

Examinations consist of 3 papers that are designed to test students’ readiness to:

• AO1 – demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the key features and characteristics of the periods studied.
• AO2 – explain and analyse historical events and periods
• AO3 – analyse, evaluate and use sources to make substantiated judgements
• AO4 – analyse, evaluate and make substantiated judgements about interpretations

A-Level History (AQA Specification 7042)

A-Level History facilitates students to carry out complex and in-depth studies of events that have shaped Britain and the wider world. The topics focused on are:

• Stuart Britain and the Crisis of Monarchy, 1603-1702
• Revolution and Dictatorship: Russia 1917-1953
• An independent historical investigation chosen by each student

Each of the three investigations challenges students to think critically about the impact of the past and read a wide range of academic interpretations and primary source materials.

• AO1 – demonstrate, organise and communicate knowledge and understanding to analyse and evaluate key features relating to periods studied.
• AO2 – analyse and evaluate source materials within their historical context.
• AO3 – analyse and evaluate difference ways in which aspects of the past have been interpreted.