History
We aim to ignite each student’s innate curiosity about the past and how it influences our lives today through wide-ranging studies of topics from the medieval period onwards. This encourages our students to appreciate and respect the past and its peoples and cultures.
‘You have to know the past to understand the present’.
Studying History also helps pupils to analyse and evaluate evidence from a wide range of sources, to read critically, write persuasively, and articulate their arguments with confidence and clarity.
Our outstanding staff members are deeply passionate about History and appreciate the opportunity to share their passion with engaged and curious young learners. The Department aims to inspire a love and respect of the past through the exploration of the compelling events, personalities, and ideas which have shaped our society and the wider world and still have resonance today.
From Year 7 to Year 9, pupils will study a variety of topics from the early medieval period to the 20th century.
In Year 7, we focus on the Medieval World in the years c.500-c.1400. Topics include the unification of England; the Norman Conquest; the power of the Crown and the Church; Islamic Civilisations and the Crusades; and the Black Death and its impact.
Year 8 shifts to the early modern world. Tudor England is covered from the perspective of women and people of colour. We then look at discovery, exploration, and expansion into the New World, leading to the Transatlantic Slave Trade, before ending the year with an investigation into the progress of Black Civil Rights in the USA.
In Year 9, we begin by examining changes to the political system in Victorian Britain, particularly for women. We then embark upon a depth study of the First World War, from its causes and outbreak to the major battles and the contribution of empire and commonwealth troops. Finally, pupils will look at an aspect of the legacy of the war: either the campaign for Indian Independence, or the communist revolution in Russia.
History at GCSE is exclusively a modern course designed to develop the ability of our student to interpret elements of the more recent past that have shaped and continue to influence the world that we live in today.
Pupils will acquire knowledge and understanding of four different but interrelated historical periods. They will explore the significance of key events, individuals, examine key features, concepts, and changes, and learn to analyse historical sources with a more critical eye. Pupils will also learn to more effectively organise and communicate their knowledge, before ultimately reaching balanced, substantiated historical judgements.
The course consists of two examined papers:
- Thematic Depth Studies (Paper One): This component covers the development of the Nazi Dictatorship in Germany from 1918 to 1945, and the Cold War rivalry between the two superpowers, the USA and Soviet Union, during the period 1943 to 1972.
- The Historical Investigation and Breadth Study in Change (Paper Two): The Investigation examines the ‘Boom, Bust, and Recovery’ period in the USA from 1918 to 1941, while the Breadth Study looks at China from 1900 to 1989, charting its progress from an imperial dynasty to an emerging superpower under the Chinese Communist Party.
The KEHS A Level specification has been designed to help our pupils understand the significance of historical events, the role of individuals in history, and the nature of change over time. By adopting political, social, economic, and cultural perspectives, they will gain a deeper understanding of the past, as well as the knowledge and skills they require to become successful, global citizens of the future.
The course consists of three separate components: a British Breadth Study, a non-British Depth Study, and the Historical Investigation.
- Component 1: Stuart Britain and the Crisis of Monarchy, 1603-1702.
What prompted the English people to execute their own monarch? How did a country farmer become the most important man in Britain and arguably one of our greatest ever political leaders? What factors led a Dutchman to be invited to sit on the British throne? If you are interested in these sorts of questions, then this course will provide you with the answers, as well as enabling you to develop your knowledge of a crucial and often overlooked part of British History that played a fundamental role in shaping modern-day politics and ideas about kingship and democracy.
- Component 2: France in Revolution, 1774 – 1815
Absolutism, Terror, Monarchy, Partisan Politics, Marie Antoinette, Napoleon, Empire, Guillotine. These are just a few of some of the great people and concepts associated with the study of France during the Revolutionary period. All young people should have an awareness of this seismic period of change in European History. If you are interested in politics, society, international relations, war and conflict and are keen on debating some of the important issues that are still very relevant to the contemporary world, then this course will be of great interest to you.
- Component 3: Historical Investigation (Non-Examined Assessment – coursework)
This is one of the most exciting aspects of the course. It will allow students to research a topic of their own choice and submit an investigation of approximately 3,500 words in length. The choice of research topic will be discussed with your teachers but can be from any period of history and its theme can focus on British, World, or even Local History. This will be marked by your teachers and moderated externally by the Board and will account for 20% of the A Level.
Future Careers
The skills you will develop in History are fully transferable and will prove invaluable for a number of careers, including the law, teaching, librarianship, banking and commerce, publishing, the civil service, heritage, museums and art galleries and a wide variety of social work.
Beyond the classroom
There are numerous co-curricular opportunities in the History Department. There is a junior Horrible Histories themed club for those in Year 7 and Year 8, while for those in Year 9 and above, we hold a fortnightly pupil-led discussion group which encourages reading and debate around a very wide range of topics.
The Department organises annual trips to historically significant sites, tailored for each year group, for example Chepstow Castle for Year 7, as well as exciting foreign trips that offer a global perspective on history, most notably the First World War Battlefields Tour to France and Belgium. These enriching experiences outside the classroom complement the curriculum and ignite pupils’ passion for the past.
