KEY STAGE 3 CURRICULUM OUTLINE

In Key Stage 3, we explore the story of Britain and its place in the world, from the Roman invasion in 43AD, through to the influence of technology in the industrial revolution and the 20th century via the World Wars & Cold War. Within this we investigate the changing power of the Church and State and consider its social and political impact across this timescale. In order to develop our student’s knowledge of the wider world, in Year 9 we have a detailed investigation into the destruction of the Indian way of life in North America, looking at the impact of European migration and how the development of the United States impacted the indigenous people. 

A key component of the curriculum is the development of historical skills. We achieve this by examining and analysing a range of sources & academic interpretations, using them to reach supported conclusions about the past, as well asking further questions about events from history. 

KEY STAGE 4 CURRICULUM OUTLINE 

At Key Stage 4 in History, students study the Edexcel GCSE History course, building on the key historical concepts they have learnt in KS3. The 2-year course explores a range of British and international History over a broad range of time. 

• A study of Elizabethan England from 1558-1588, including the plots involving Mary Queen of Scots, the victory over the Spanish Armada and Elizabethan society. 

• A thematic study of Medicine in Britain from c1250 to present day. This includes a case study of the British sector of the Western Front, 1914-1918: injuries, treatments and trenches. 

• A study of Germany between 1919-1939, charting the impact of World War One on Germany, how Hitler came to power and consolidated his control. 

• The American West, c1835-c1895, looking at Western Expansion across North America, including; Cattle Ranchers, freed Slaves and Homesteaders. 

FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES AND PATHWAYS POST 16 

• A Level History and beyond to University. 

• Career possibilities include; Journalism, Archaeologist, Archivist, Curator, Management and Tourism, Computer software design, Teaching, Law & Publishing. 

EXTRA CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES 

As a faculty we currently offer a wide array of opportunities to carry out extra studies through small group interventions, Lesson 7 & Reading clubs. We also have inter-house competitions, such as model castle building, plus the opportunity for trips and visits, such as our Year 11 trip to Leeds Thackeray Medical museum and Hitler on Trial play, and our Year 7 Trip to Yorvik. We also invite guest speakers into the academy, such as Martin Kappel, a holocaust survivor, and encourage deeper study with further reading lists and homework.