Aims

• Enjoyment of the study of History
• Chronological understanding
• Knowledge of events, people and changes in the past
• Historical interpretation
• Historical enquiry
• Organisation and communication

Key Stage One: The syllabus follows the National Curriculum and teaching is based mainly on first hand experience. Pupils gather evidence and investigate using mainly photographs, artefacts, questions and exploration. Recording is carried out by drawing, time-line work and writing. Assessment of pupils is carried out informally during discussion sessions and through observation.

Key Stage Two: The syllabus follows the National Curriculum topics studied are The Egyptians, the Greeks, the Romans, the Saxons and Vikings, the Tudors, the Victorians and Britain from 1930 to the present day.

Key Stage Three: The syllabus diverts somewhat from the National Curriculum to follow a fully chronological approach to History from 1066:

Year 7 study the Medieval Period from 1066 -1485 covering the Norman invasion, the Feudal System, Castles, Thomas Becket, the Crusades, Magna Carta, the Medieval Church,  the wars with Wales, Scotland and France, the Black Death and the Wars of the Roses.

Year 8 study the main events of the reigns of the Tudors and Stuart Kings and Queens.

Year 9 study the development of Britain in Europe from 1700 to 1945 covering the Agricultural, Industrial and Transport Revolutions, the Jacobite rebellion of 1745/6, the Slave Trade, the French Revolution, the Napoleonic Wars and aspects of the Two World Wars.

Key Stage Four follows the AQA short course 4046 in International History from 1900 to1949. The exam is based on the causes of the First World War, the Versailles Treaty, the League of Nations and the causes of the Second World War. The length of the exam is 1¼ hours and is worth 50%. The other 50% goes to controlled assessment coursework based on Britain at War, covering elements of both World Wars. Students prepare source materials and research historical background before sitting two controlled assessments. One task is based on the usefulness of sources, with the other based on interpretation of sources. Pupils can gain grades from A* to G. 

Teaching and assessment of History is based on work in text books, other evidence materials and resource books. The subject is taught through class discussions, differentiated written exercises, classroom displays, use of interactive white boards using CD roms, DVDs and videos together with visits to historical sites.