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KS3 History

KS3 introduces students to the professional discipline of History. In year 7, students begin by studying medieval empires increasing their knowledge of different religions and culture. After this breadth study, students focus on Tudor England as a depth study. Within lessons, students learn key historical skills such as source analysis, analytical writing and are provided opportunities to debate with their peers. Students are encouraged to challenge stereotypes and traditional narratives. For example, when analysing the abolition of slavery; students are encouraged to focus on how African Americans successfully campaigned for their own freedom instead of perceiving them as passive victims. The KS3 Scheme is designed to give students a broad overview of History from focussing on local heritage with the role of Thomas Clarkson, to national history such as the Industrial Revolution and finally international events such as World War Two. Studying history at KS3 allows students to understand how the past has shaped our world today.  
 
Year 7

• How did England compare to the world in the Middle Ages?  

• 1066 - Who should be King?  

• How Significant was the Role of Religion in Medieval and Tudor Society? 

Year 8

• What prompted Thomas Clarkson to act against Slavery? 

• What role did the Empire have on Britain? 

Year 9

• The Rise of the Dictators: Nazi Germany and the USSR 

• Why is it important to remember the Holocaust? 

 
KS4 History
Studying History at GCSE will further your understanding about how events have formed our modern World. Learning about past events and the people who’ve influenced history will allow you to understand how the world got to the point it’s at now and how it will continue to develop in the future.  

Students will also learn valuable skills for example:

• how to construct an argument,  

• how to analyse different interpretations  

• how to develop as independent, critical and reflective thinkers 

 

For GCSE, students will study the following AQA topics:

 
Unit 1: America, 1920–1973: Opportunity and inequality
This unit focuses on the development of the USA during a turbulent half century of change. It was a period of opportunity and inequality – when some Americans lived the ‘American Dream’ whilst others grappled with the nightmare of poverty, discrimination and prejudice. Students will study the different aspects of these two developments, and they will also look at the role of key individuals and groups in shaping change.  

 
Unit 2: Conflict and Tension between East and West
This unit enables students to understand the complex and diverse interests of different states and individuals and the ideologies they represented. It considers revolutionary movements during this time. It focuses on the causes and events of the Cold War and seeks to show how and why conflict occurred and why it proved difficult to resolve the tensions which arose during the Cold War. This study also considers the role of key individuals and groups in shaping change and how they were affected by and influenced international relations.  

 
Unit 3: Britain: Migration, empires and the people: c790 to the present day
This thematic study will enable students to gain an understanding of how the identity of the people of Britain has been shaped by their interaction with the wider world. It will consider invasions and conquests. It will also study the country’s relationship with Europe and the wider world. It will consider the ebb and flow of peoples into and out of Britain and evaluate their motives and achievements. It considers the causes, impact and legacy of Empire upon the ruled and the ruling in the context of Britain’s acquisition and retreat from Empire.  

 
Unit 4: Elizabethan England, c1568–1603
This unit allows students to study in depth the last 35 years of Elizabeth I’s reign. The study will focus on major events of Elizabeth I’s reign considered from economic, religious, political, social and cultural standpoints, and arising contemporary and historical controversies. Students will visit a historic site associated with this unit of study which will enrich students’ understanding of Elizabethan England. 

 

KS5 History
Student who continue to study History at A Level will complete the following AQA courses 

 
Depth Module: The American Dream: Reality and Illusion, 1945-1980 (40%)
Explore the challenges faced by the USA at home and abroad as it emerged as a “Superpower” from World War Two. While some American did gain prosperity, The “American Dream” remained unobtainable for others. 

 
Breadth Module: The British Empire, c1857-1967
This module focusses on the rise and fall of the British Empire. What drove imperialism? What factors influenced colonial policy? How did the British treat indigenous people? 

 
Coursework: 4,500 words (20%)
Topic: Rebellions throughout the Tudor Age