History

Lower School Curriculum

Year 7

In Year 7 our theme is Power, Monarchy and Democracy. Over the course of six smaller lesson series, students discover how the role of monarchy has changed, how ‘people power’ and protest has increased over time and how the democracy we recognise today developed. This thematic approach covers c.1066-present, covering major British history topics from the Norman Conquest, the Civil War, the Suffragettes and political reform to more recent political developments including the development of the Labour Party and the Brexit debate.

In Year 7 all students visit Battle Abbey and Bodiam Castle to build on their learning during their course. Students explore the Battle of Hastings site and explain why William built the Abbey which was then damaged under Henry VIII.

 

Year 8

In Year 8 our theme is War, Empire and the impact on people. Over the course of six smaller lesson series, this moves from why people fought in Medieval times, the Crusades, links with India and America, the development of the British Empire, industrialisation, decolonisation and individuals including Ghandi. The events and impact of the First and Second World Wars, the Holocaust, and British society in the second half of the Twentieth Century from the founding of the NHS to Britain’s role on the world through the UN and the EU are then learned.

In Year 8 students visit either Dover Castle where they have the opportunity to explore Kent’s medieval past and the site’s role in the Second World War, or Duxford IWM to learn about Cold War developments.

 

Year 9

In Year 9 students study three units Spain and the New World, Whitechapel 1870-1900 and Russia and the USSR 1917-41. While modelling the GCSE approach, all topics are new and demand rigour in their subject knowledge. The Year 9 topics are more global and diverse: in the Spain topic students explore the indigenous culture of South America and in the Whitechapel unit they consider issues of poverty and class. The study of Russia will enhance students’ understanding of the Cold War and links to our A-Level course, engaging and preparing them for future History study.

In Year 9 all students visit Ypres for a day trip exploring the battlefields and trenches of this famous First World War location and examining the town of Ypres – its memorial, the Menin Gate, and the rebuilt architecture.

 

GCSE Curriculum

Exam Board: Edexcel

 

Year 10

Units studied: Superpower relations and the Cold War 1941-1991, Weimar and Nazi Germany 1918-1939.

All students also attend a school-based Blitz Study Day in Year 10, to research and explore issues around London during the Second World War, as part of the Section A component of the Warfare Through Time unit. This includes family and local history elements as well as researching the use of propaganda and the role of the royal family.

 

Year 11

Units studied: Early Elizabeth England 1558-1588 and Warfare Through Time 1250-present. This includes developing all the historical skills associated with chronology, knowledge and understanding and significance, amongst others.

To view A-Level course content, please click here.