History

We aim for students to gain a love of History and that by studying history we can learn about the past and understand our current culture. The curriculum offers a chance for pupils to understand the social, economic, political and religious developments in British History as well as links to broader world History through enquiries.  Pupils will see how cultures interacted, and how differing interpretations arise, grasping how history is created and developing their empathy. We also wish to see pupils who are resilient and able to articulate themselves clearly in writing and discussion.

Our Three Concepts

GSA Learning Journey

Contact

Mr J.Hughes (Director of Humanities))

If you wish to contact the history department, please contact Mr Hughes (Director of Humanities) at [email protected]

“I like that I can learn things about the past to get a broader mind on what was happening in different time periods.”
“The lessons are always well planned and they are really enjoyable too!”
“I like how we’re getting interesting topics which impact the world today”

Year 7

History Learning Enquiries

  • How have historians written about the Romans? 
  • How has migration to Britain changed? 
  • Why did William win at the Battle of Hastings? 
  • Why does Marc Morris see the Norman Conquest as vitally important? 
  • Why was the Medieval Church significant? 
  • How much power did women have in Medieval Europe? 
  • How did King John change the power of the monarchy? 
  • Why was Baghdad so significant? 
  • Why did the Black Death spread so quickly? 
  • How has Kenilworth Castle changed over time?

Year 7 Curriculum Map

Year 8

History Learning Enquiries

  • Why did Henry change England’s religion? 
  • How far did England’s religion really change under the Tudors? 
  • Why did brother fight brother in the English Civil War? 
  • Were the 17th and 18th centuries really revolutionary? 
  • How did the British Empire grow? 
  • Why have historians disagreed about the British Empire in India? 
  • What made African Kingdoms so significant? 
  • What can Olaudah Equiano reveal about the Atlantic Slave Trade? 
  • What has been written about Native Americans? 
  • How were the Native Americans’ lives destroyed?  

Year 8 Curriculum Map

Year 9

History Learning Enquiries

  • Who benefitted from the Industrial Revolution? 
  • Why did women gain the right to vote? 
  • Why did WW1 begin in 1914? 
  • What do we remember about WW1? 
  • Why did Hitler come to power in 1933? 
  • How did life change under the Nazis? 
  • How and why did the Holocaust happen? 
  • When did the lives of African Americans change? 
  • Why was the Vietnam war a disaster? 

Year 9 Curriculum Map

At Key Stage 4 we follow GCSE at Edexcel and get a chance to further develop your skills through a range of topics.  Medicine through Time provides an overview of progress, charting factors and how progress was made at different speeds. We also cover the revolution in the Renaissance, the importance of dissection, sanitation and the creation of the NHS. 

This is a very popular option, especially with pupils who are considering a career in medicine or pharmacy. We cover Elizabethan England, looking at how a young woman took the throne, and against many odds (and assassination attempts!) was able to rule for over 40 years.  We study the challenges she faced at home and abroad bringing England into war against the Spanish whilst seeing a ‘Golden Age’ at home. The American West covers the conflict and tension between Native Americans and White Settlers examining the ingenuity of surviving the Great Plains and learning about some classic figures such as Sitting Bull, Billy the Kid, Crazy Horse and Custer. Finally we cover Weimar and Nazi Germany exploring the complexities of Germany after WW1 with the establishment of democracy and the Golden Years of cinema, but also the challenges of rebellion and hyperinflation. Then how Hitler came to take power, hold power and transform Germany. This GCSE prepares students for further study both in History and more broadly with the skills developed feeding into English, Law and other Humanities subjects.

Year 10 Curriculum Map

Year 11 Curriculum Map

At Key Stage 5 we take a closer look at History and really debate how History is made.  We examine differing interpretations and sources as well as hone skills in debate and extended writing. We cover Tudor England to ensure pupils have the cultural capital needed to feel at home at top universities and build upon prior learning. Students learn about how Henry VII took and consolidated power, how Henry VIII transformed England religiously as well as his follies in foreign policy.  We then study whether there truly was a ‘Mid-Tudor crisis’ and if the characterisation of Edward VI as a sickly child and Mary as a bigot are fair.  Then we explore Elizabeth’s reign, her challenges and triumphs.  We also study the Cold War, how it began and its ramification in Europe and Asia.  We explore the changing relationship and the Cold War became ‘hotter’ in periods such as the Cuban missile crisis, but also periods of ‘peaceful coexistence’ and ‘détente’.

We explore the ending of the Cold War, the role of Gorbachev but also more structural problems the USSR was facing.  Students also complete their NEA on one of a range of topics, including: German foreign policy 1800-1945, the long Civil Rights Movement, the impact of British rule on India, crime and punishment in England 1723-1823, and how far accusations of witchcraft were attempts by the patriarchy to control women.  From this there are clear pathways into law, politics and other humanities and social sciences. We have seen many pupils study History and destinations show that pupils who take History tend to go to Russell Group Universities.   Please visit the designated Sixth Form section to find out more information about the courses we offer.

Year 12 Curriculum Map

Year 13 Curriculum Map