History
The basic aim of the History Department is to provide the best possible learning opportunities in the subject so that all pupils achieve their potential in History.
In particular the department aims to:
- Provide varied but vigorous learning experiences to promote understanding of History;
- Provide a range of resources to promote access to and enjoyment of the subject;
- Recognise and promote pupils’ potential in History;
- Encourage children to take an active interest in History so that learning about the subject becomes a worthwhile experience that can be carried on and developed throughout their school career and into later life;
- Encourage independence of learning;
- Encourage independence of thought based on sound analytical skills;
- Execute the courses of study in line with the National Curriculum, GCSE and A Level requirements and offer a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum.
The teaching and learning of History is available to all students at all stages. At Key Stage 3, all students have two compulsory History lessons per week. Students can then choose to take History to GCSE level with three lessons per week. At AS and A2 levels, students have six lessons per week with a significant number of students coming to study A level from other schools in the area. History is taught in two dedicated History rooms with a permanent staff of three History teachers (one being the Head of Department).
The aim of the department is to provide variety and interest in the teaching and learning of History at all levels in accordance with the National Curriculum and examination specifications, whilst promoting the highest standards of academic attainment in the subject. Presently at Key Stage 3, all students cover the core study units for two years, following themes such as the development of power and politics, warfare, empire, industrial and technological development and people’s ordinary lives from the 11th to the 20th centuries.
At GCSE the department follows the OCR Modern World GCSE History specification covering the Cold War, Germany 1918-1945, the Middle East conflict and a British depth study on the period 1906-1918. In addition, in year 9, students who have opted for History will concentrate on the two World Wars and a depth study on the USA in the first half of the 20th century as preparation for the full GCSE course starting in year 10.
At AS level, the OCR specification is covered, focussing on 17th century English history and 20th century European history. Two modules are taken; a period paper on Russia 1894 -1941 and an enquiry paper on the English Civil War and Interregnum 1637-1660.
At A2 another two modules are taken; a historical interpretations and investigations coursework unit presently based on the Vietnam War and a historical themes examination paper based on the changing nature or warfare from 1792 – 1945. At both AS and A2, modules are examined in June.
History has proved a very popular subject at A level with a high retention rate from AS to A2. Results have been very good overall with the majority of students attaining their predicted value added scores or better. GCSE also proves popular with very good to excellent results achieved each year in the A*-C grade category. Both areas have undergone high levels of change in the past few years, especially at A level, and the outcome of these changes has been very encouraging in terms of results and overall performance.
