History: Key Stage 5

History Department Overview

Developing critical thinkers who understand the world today through their study of society, politics, economics, and culture in the past.

At A Level, we follow the Edexcel syllabus, and our choice of units reflect our own students’ overall preference for modern History, and in Year 12, are linked by the theme of “Searching for Rights and Freedoms in the 20th Century.” Students study American politics society and culture exploring topics such as the role of the President, the impact of war on politics, the quest for Civil Rights, society and culture in change and changing quality of life. Alongside this, students also study India’s road to independence. This is developed in Year 13 through a study of the British Empire, which explores the development of trade and navy in the period of empire and examines depth studies that include the loss of the American colonies, the birth of Australia as a British colony and Britain’s growing interest in India and in the Nile Valley region in the nineteenth century. We are exceptionally proud of our curriculum that raises controversial and relevant issues and debates surrounding the nature of government, protest, equality and human rights. Students are challenged to look at the history of modern Britain, American and India through the eyes of different groups and individuals in society and develop an in-depth understanding of their perspectives, while also developing their own perspectives and interpretations.

We are very proud that we offer a much more extensive choice of coursework questions than many other schools, supported by the fact that we have a range of expertise in the department and have invested in resources to support a diverse range of coursework enquiries. We have also supported a number of students to develop their own questions on areas of historical debate that they have a particular interest in. Having a wide selection encourages students to identify their own areas of interest, to challenge themselves and to develop the independence to support them in higher education or in employment.

Students are encouraged to read widely and beyond the demands of the curriculum with links to articles, podcasts, documentaries and film shared with the students. We deliver the lessons in a variety of ways with balance between paired, group and independent work. Students are encouraged to discuss issues at length, analyse historical sources and interpretations collaboratively, research, make presentations to the group and develop a high level of communication and critical thinking skills.

The course compliments and supports study in higher education not only of History but a range of other subjects including Economics, Politics, Law, American studies, Sociology to name just a few.