Year 7

During the first year of their Key Stage 3 History course pupils will develop their historical skills and understanding in many areas. They will master an increasing amount of factual knowledge and learn to deploy it effectively. They will develop a greater understanding of concepts such as cause and consequence, and change and continuity. They will select and evaluate evidence from a range of historical sources, and begin to investigate different interpretations of History.

Topics Studied

The first focus for the year is the Roman Empire, an example of a major turning point in European History. Pupil study topics including the foundation of Rome, the wars with Carthage, the Emperors, Pompeii, Boudicca, the Games, the army, religion and technology. Pupils then study a unit on Medieval Realms in which they develop concepts of government and kingship, examine major events such as the plague and study a variety of aspects of social history.

Teaching Group Organisation

Pupils are taught in mixed ability Tutor Groups.

Assessment

Some pieces of work will be graded with a National Curriculum Level. An example of the History marking policy is in the front of the student’s book.

Each piece of work will receive an effort grade from A - E.

Homework

All students are expected to complete homework over the two week timetable equivalent to 30 minutes per week.

Year 8

During the second year of their Key Stage 3 History course pupils will continue to develop their historical skills and understanding in many areas. They will master an increasing amount of factual knowledge and learn to deploy it effectively. They will develop a more complex understanding of concepts such as cause and consequence, and change and continuity. They will select and evaluate evidence from a variety of historical sources, and investigate different interpretations of History.

Topics Studied

The main focus for the year is The Making of the United Kingdom, a National Curriculum core unit. Pupils study topics including the Wars of the Roses, Henry VIII and his wives, the English Reformation, Tudor and Stuart monarchs and the English Civil War. Students also look at Tutor society through a focus on poverty in the Elizabethan period.

Pupils will go on to study the impact of the Industrial Revolution on Britain, and the development of slavery.

Teaching Group Organisation

Pupils are taught in mixed ability Tutor Groups.

Assessment

Some pieces of work will be graded with a National Curriculum Level. An example of the History marking policy is in the front of the student’s book.

Each piece of work will receive an effort grade from A - E.

Homework

All students are expected to complete homework over the two week timetable equivalent to 30 minutes per week.

Year 9

During the final year of their Key Stage 3 History course pupils will continue to develop their historical skills and understanding in many areas. They will master an increasing amount of factual knowledge and learn to deploy it effectively in a variety of ways.

They will develop a more complex understanding of concepts such as cause and consequence, learning to assess the relative importance of different causes. They will select and evaluate evidence from a variety of historical sources, and investigate different interpretations of History, accounting for these differences.

Topics Studied

The main focus for the year is a study of "The 20th Century World", a National Curriculum core unit. This involves an investigation of the causes and events of World War Two, including the holocaust, and the study of significant post-war personalities, including John F Kennedy. A new unit on south African history was introduced in 2004.

Teaching Group Organisation

Pupils are taught in mixed ability Tutor Groups.

Assessment

Some pieces of work will be graded with a National Curriculum Level. An example of the History marking policy is in the front of the student’s book.

Each piece of work will receive an effort grade from A - E.

Homework

All students are expected to complete homework over the two week timetable equivalent to 45 minutes per week.

GCSE

The course aims to stimulate an interest in and enthusiasm for the study of the past. It also promotes the acquisition of knowledge and understanding of human activity in the past, and the way it has shaped the present.

The course develops essential study skills such as the ability to locate and extract information from primary and secondary sources, to analyse and organise this information and to construct a logical argument.

A study of this subject will provide a sound basis for further study (e.g. "A" Level) and the pursuit of personal interest. It is a course for those who enjoy the variety afforded by History, and its potential for research.

Topics Studied

The course covers the following areas of study:

Core Content:

Depth of study for examination:

Depth of study for coursework:

An overview of International Relations 1918 - 1989

Russia 1905 - 1941

First world War

Course Books

We provide two course textbooks for every student. GCSE Modern World History by Ben Walsh and British Depth Study 1906-18 by Colin Shepherd.

Teaching Group Organisation

In Year 10 there are three mixed ability teaching groups.

Assessment

Examination Board: OCR Syllabus Modern World B 1937

All pupils sit two examination papers at the end of the course which represent 75% of the marks.

There are two pieces of coursework based around the optional topic. These will be completed during Year 11. Coursework represents 25% of the marks.

Homework

Homework is set on a regular weekly basis and represents an important opportunity for pupils to consolidate and develop their knowledge and understanding.