History
History FAQs
What will I learn?
In KS3 we cover a broad period of History to give you contextual awareness of a range of periods. From the Romans and their impact on Britain to the developments of the 20th Century and how they affect society today. We have something for everyone!
At KS4 we study Crime and Punishment through time, Elizabeth I, Nazi Germany and the Cold War. The curriculum again covers a range of periods of time to suit all interests.
At KS5 we study The Tudors and America 1945-1980, both modules look at these periods of time in depth and detail. As well as this you will conduct a personal study on a topic of your choice!
What Extra-Curricular activities do we offer?
A wide range of activities and clubs. We have a KS3 History club where we meet do a range of activities such as focus on interpretations in historical films. We run a range of homework projects and competitions at KS3 to explore history outside the classroom.
We also run a range of trips to help bring history to life. We look at the local area such as Bosworth, Warwick Castle, Black Country Museum, as well as venturing further afield to London, New York, Washington and Berlin!
What’s your favourite part of History?
Mrs Doyne-Ditmas: My absolute favourite period is The Tudors, especially Elizabeth I. I love the drama of the family relationships as well as understanding the significance of the period for years to come. I also find Elizabeth I fascinating – girl power all the way!
Mr Ireland: My favourite period in History is The Crusades, in particular The First Crusade. I find it fascinating that an event that started nearly one thousand years ago has so many parallels with events in the Middle East today.
Mr Goldstraw: My favourite period is the English Civil War and the Interregnum. I love the fact that the parliament of the people rose up, removed a corrupt King and changed this country for ever. Abroad – I am fascinated by the Russian Revolution which is very similar and the relationships between European powers.
Oh and one more thing – I love visiting castles.
We are a highly-successful Department with five dedicated specialist teaching staff. All students receive four lessons per fortnight in History in Key Stage 3. We have an exciting fast-paced curriculum that builds students' knowledge, confidence, skills and chronological understanding in History.
History is offered as an Option at GCSE and we currently follow Edexcel's `9-1' course. Topics the students will cover include a thematic study of crime and punishment c1000-present; a study of early Elizabethan England 1558-88; an investigation into the Cold War and Weimar and Nazi Germany 1918-1939.
Year 7 Curriculum
Topics studied in Year 7 include:
- What have the Romans done for us?
- What was the Age of the Vikings?
- How did Hastings shape Medieval England?
- Which Medieval Monarch was the greatest?
- What happened in the Wars of the Roses?
- Which Tudor Monarch deserves their celebrity status?
Year 8 Curriculum
Topics studies in Year 8 include:
- How was the Monarchy threatened in the 17th Century?
- Why did Explorers explore?
- What was the British Empire and how did it impact the Slave Trade?
- How did the Industrial Revolution change the lives of the British People?
- How did women get the vote by 1928?
- How was the First World War fought?
Year 9 Curriculum (from 24-25)
Topics studies in Year 9 include:
- What was the Treaty of Versailles and why was it so controversial?
- Why did the 1920s and 1930s give rise to Dictators?
- How did the lives of Jewish People change 1933-1948?
- How was WW2 fought?
- How did Britain change after 1945?
- Why did WW2 lead to the Cold War?
Year 10 and 11 Curriculum
The GCSE course provides a broad overview of key events from a range of time periods and it opens the fields of social, economic, political, military and cultural history to students. The course develops students' analysis, evaluation and research skills, all of which are invaluable to future colleges, universities and employers. Pupils at GCSE level will be supported with a fully comprehensive revision programme.
- Elizabethan England 1558-88. Developing an understanding of how the first thirty years of the reign of Elizabeth I shaped England and Europe.
- Crime and Punishment through time. Evaluating key events in each time period to develop key themes and problems.
- Germany 1918-1945. Evaluating how Germany dealt with the aftermath of World War One, how Hitler came to power and what life was like under his control.
- Cold War – how Europe was shaped by the contrasting ideologies of the two Superpowers.
Year 12 and Year 13 Curriculum
The A-level course follows the AQA exam board. Students study:
- Tudor England.
- The American Dream.
In addition, they will also focus on a personal study of their choice. Topics in recent years have included: The French Revolution, the 17th Century Witch Craze, The causes and events of the Crusades, The causes of WW1.
Extra-curricular Activities
The History Department will offer a series of exciting extra-curricular opportunities, including a debating club and an opportunity for an overnight stay in London on the Jack the Ripper Tour. We are committed to offering trips which complement students' studies with opportunities in each year group.
Mr A. Ireland, Subject Leader for History