Key Stage 3

During key stage 3 pupils learn about significant individuals and events in the history of Britain from the Middle Ages to the twentieth century. They also learn about key aspects of European and world history. They show their understanding by making connections between events and changes in the different periods and areas studied, and by comparing the structure of societies and economic, cultural and political developments. They evaluate and use sources of information, using their historical knowledge to analyse the past and explain how it can be represented and interpreted in different ways.

In history, pupils acquire and apply knowledge, skills and understanding in five main areas:

• chronological understanding

• knowledge and understanding of events, people and changes in the past

• historical interpretation

• historical enquiry

• organisation and communication.

These aspects of knowledge, understanding and skills are developed in the programme of study for history through three British studies, a European study and two world studies. The British studies include the following: Britain in Medieval Times, The Making of the United Kingdom which is completed in Year 7 and the Industrial Revolution in Year 8. The European Study consists of major events in the Twentieth century including the two wars and the Cold War and most of this work is completed in Year 9.  With regards to the two world studies, we focus on the Native American Indians in Year 8 and the Roman Empire in Year 7.  We also cover aspects of American society in the Twentieth Century in Year 9 and conduct an in-depth study on John F. Kennedy.

Assessment

Assessment is based on two structured essays and two unit exams for each year group.

IGCSE

The aims of the course are:

• to stimulate interest in, and enthusiasm about, the past;

• to promote the acquisition of knowledge and understanding of human activity in the past;

• to ensure the candidates’ knowledge is rooted in understanding of the nature and use of historical evidence;

• to promote understanding of the nature of cause and consequence, continuity and change, similarity and difference;

• to provide a sound basis for further study and pursuit of personal interest;

• to encourage international understanding;

• to encourage the development of linguistic and communication skills;

• to encourage an investigative and critical mind, capable of reaching independent judgements based on the manipulation of facts.

All Students will study 20th Century Core Content and at least one Depth Study.  The content is explained through a number of Key Questions and Focus Points provide guidance on what is involved in addressing each Key Question.  Candidates will be expected to demonstrate understanding of the Key Questions and Focus Points, using knowledge of relevant historical example.

• The 20th Century, International Relations since 1919
• Were the Peace Treaties of 1919 justified at the time?

• To what extent was the League of Nations a success?

• Why had international peace collapsed by 1939?

• Who was to blame for the Cold War? How effectively did the USA contain the spread of Communism?

• How secure was the USSR’s control over Eastern Europe, 1948-1989?

• How effective has the United Nations Organisation been?

DEPTH STUDY B: Russia, 1905-41

This involves focusing on the following:

• Why did the Tsarist regime collapse in 1917?

• How did the Bolsheviks gain power and consolidate their rule?

• How did Stalin gain and hold onto power?

• What was the impact of Stalin’s economic policies?

A Level

Minimum requirements: Whilst a good grade at IGCSE History is an advantage, conscientious students with an enquiring mind, an interest in the past and its relevance to current affairs, could successfully study AS and A level history.

The A level course is a modern history course based in the twentieth century. The aim is to develop vital analytical skills through investigation, interpretation and evaluation of evidence, allowing students to make judgements on controversial issues.

During the course students will learn about the significance of events, individuals, issues and societies in history, and about how and why societies have changed over time. The course will appeal to students who want to study a subject that encourages them to consider evidence and make up their own minds.

Students who study AS or A level History have access to a wide range of career and higher education opportunities. By the end of the course they will have learned how to evaluate and analyse information; how to weigh up evidence; and how to communicate complex ideas effectively. These skills are highly regarded by employers and universities.

History provides an invaluable foundation for a number of popular careers including journalism, law and business. History also combines well with maths and science subjects to create an attractive portfolio of qualifications, enabling students to move on to a university-based science course.

Students can follow the one year AS level course, or follow a staged assessment route to A level by taking the AS qualification at the end of Year 12 and, subject to satisfactory performance, continue to take the final examinations at the end of Year 13.