The History Department seeks to present the study of history in as exciting and imaginative way as possible within the framework of the National Curriculum. We aim to provide students with the desire to continue their study of history in their future education and to generate a life-long interest in the subject.
Year 7: An exciting syllabus which puts particular emphasis upon source analysis and developing the analytical skills of students as they explore topics including the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, the Norman Conquest and its impact on Medieval Life. Students are encouraged, through discussion, to make their own decisions about the reliability of evidence and as young historians they are asked to produce written and oral responses to key historical debates such as why William won the Battle of Hastings and whether or not John really was such a bad King. Students are also encouraged, whenever possible, to use ICT in order to help them organise their thoughts in relation to such questions.
Year 8: Students build on their studies in Year 7 by investigating the key, political, religious and economic changes of the 16th and 17th centuries. A major area of study involves the Reformation and the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Through the use of role-play and the examination of contemporary and secondary evidence students have to reach a substantiated conclusion to the key question of whether or not Henry was justified in closing the monasteries. Other topics include the problem of poverty and the response of government, as well as the causes and consequences of the English Civil Wars. Finally in year 8 students have the opportunity to investigate the fascinating world of the Native Peoples of North America. Students undertake an in-depth study into their way of life and beliefs, making extensive use of a range of sources including texts and the internet in order to find, select and deploy relevant evidence. Students then analyse the impact of white European settlers in the late 18th and 19th centuries and the ensuing clash of cultures.
Year 9: Students explore the major economic developments that occurred during the period commonly referred to as the Industrial Revolution. Students analyse the impact these changes had on the lives of ordinary people both politically and socially. Analytical skills and the ability to select, combine and deploy evidence are also developed through the study of the slave trade, its causes, consequences and eventual abolition. Moving into the Twentieth century we study some of the major world conflicts and consider how they have affected the lives of ordinary people. Students undertake an extensive investigation of the First World War with particular emphasis on the Western Front. This provides the students with an invaluable opportunity to evaluate and use a range of historical sources to answer significant questions about life in the trenches. These skills are an integral part of the course we have chosen at Key Stage 4. In addition students learn about how and why the Holocaust happened and the lessons it can teach us today about issues such as prejudice, tolerance and respect. Last year students had the invaluable opportunity of meeting and listening to a talk given by Mr Paul Oppenheimer, a survivor of the Holocaust. At the end of Year 9 the History Department in conjunction with modern foreign languages organises a residential trip to France. This trip provides students with the opportunity to see at first hand the D-Day landing beaches and remarkable historical artefacts such as the Bayeux Tapestry.
Key Stage 4 Curriculum We have chosen the OCR Schools History Project which offers an exciting opportunity to study both the fascinating characters and also the key events which have helped to shape the world we live in.
There are four units to our course:-
A. The History of Medicine allows us to explore a theme from prehistoric man to the National Health Service! We investigate who made the major breakthroughs and why those changes took place in our history.
B. History Around Us (coursework) takes us into the Shropshire countryside as we explore the Middle Ages with a visit to Ludlow Castle.
Why was it built? Who lived in the castle? How was the castle defended?
C. Our Modern World Study (coursework) has a focus on the twentieth century. Here we investigate the troubles in Northern Ireland. A coursework booklet and video evidence allows you to answer important questions.
D. Our Depth Study leads us to the sinister world of Nazi Germany. After looking at all the evidence you will decide why Adolf Hitler came to power, and what life was really like in Nazi Germany!
The course is interesting and enjoyable in itself, but the knowledge and skills taught have a wider application. You are given the opportunity to use skills demanded in the adult work of work. Collecting evidence, arguing your case, and making decisions are all key elements of our course. As Tony Robinson from Time Team said, “How do you know who you are unless you know where you came from? How can you tell what’s going to happen, unless you know what’s happened before? History isn’t just about the past. Its about why we are here, who we are and about what’s next”.
Post 16 opportunities and progression routes for further study
The History Department strives to generate in students a life-long interest in History. To that end we currently offer an AS History course in partnership with Dudley College. We have chosen to follow the AQA AS History Syllabus as it builds on the skills and concepts of history developed in our Key Stage 4 History course. The course encourages students to develop their capacity for critical thinking. They have the opportunity to analyse and evaluate primary and secondary sources as well as historical interpretations. Furthermore they will have the chance to present historical explanations and arrive at substantiated conclusions.
Module 1- Germany and Russia before the First World War 1870-1914. This alternative provides an overview of the development of two imperial states in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries from a range of historical perspectives. Government response to the pressure for change is the major theme in the context of domestic and foreign affairs.
Module 2- Britain 1815-1841 An in-depth study of a period of unparalleled tension and unrest in British History. Radical movements and other forces resulted in policies of repression and reform from both Tory and Whig governments.
Module 3- Two Course Essays. One on the Balkans Question and the other based on a theme taken from Module 2.
