Welcome to the History department:  This is a busy yet exciting time in the History department.  We are currently in the process of embedding revised curriculums at both key stages and revising our programme of educational visits.

Our students follow a series of historical enquiries aimed at firing their curiosity and imagination about the past.  Through these, we seek to promote a range of transferable and key skills to support the development of students as independent and reflective learners.  We aim to stimulate  and engage students through delivery of units that provide creative and ‘deeper learning’ experiences.

Head of History/Humanities: Miss J Keighley
Teachers of History: Mrs M Brown, Mrs N Biddulph, Mrs R Masood.

KEY STAGE 3

At Key stage 3, we are implementing in Years 7 and 8 a series of new units.  These encourage students to ask and answer questions about the past and to develop a wider understanding of their own identities.  Students learn about the development of their local community, Britain, Europe and the wider World.  They investigate Britain’s relationship with the wider world and connect past events to the present day. 

KEY STAGE 4

History is part of the English Baccaleaurate and prepares students for the future.  It equips them with the knowledge and skills that are needed and valued in adult life.  It enhances employability and develops an ability to participate in a democratic society.

We deliver a full GCSE in Modern World History, Specification A, from the Edexcel examination board.  Years 10 and 11 follow a modular route and Year 9, in line with current government reforms; a linear model. 

HOMEWORK

Homework is an important and valued feature of learning and teaching in the History Department.  A range of creative tasks linked to lessons are set to extend and deepen learning experiences.  In particular, we aim to develop student’s research and independent learning skills that are essential for successful academic study. We set homework in line with school policy: Key Stage 4: a minimum of 45 minutes every week.  Key Stage 3: a minimum of 45 minutes every 3 weeks.

EXTRACURRICULAR PROVISION

We have always provided a solid range of extracurricular activities to enrich students’ experiences of History.  During the summer our GCSE History students enjoyed a 2 day historical and cultural visit to London.  We have an exciting new programme of visits to offer to support our new curriculums at both key stages.  GCSE students in Year’s 10 and 11 are encouraged to attend a series of GCSE revision workshops; these run as breakfast, lunchtime and afterschool sessions.