History
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.
Links:
www.standards.dfes.gov.uk and
curriculum.qcda.gov.uk/key-stages-3-and.../history/index.aspx
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 school follows
the international Cambridge syllabus.
The A level course is a combination of an early modern and
modern history course. 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.
Links:
www.cie.org.uk/
