History

Overview

The aim of the History department at Christ’s is to stimulate a curiosity about the lives of people living in the past. By learning about those who have shaped our local, national and international communities students will develop a sense of their own identity within the world in which they live.

This helps to place value on their own and other people’s cultures in modern multicultural Britain. An understanding of the past helps to bring greater understanding of the present; through which students can form their own opinions about the world in which they live, using the mistakes of the past to guide them. We also teach them to investigate these past events and, by doing so, to develop the skills of enquiry, analysis, evaluation, interpretation and problem solving. In order to communicate their ideas, students will learn to write clearly and analytically.

History is an exciting and enjoyable subject to study at Christ’s. Lessons are varied; many are inquiry based to allow students to explore historical evidence for themselves. Other lessons may use media or games to help all ability levels to learn about the past. From Year 7, historical skills are developed for those who want to study History at GCSE, A-level and beyond.

Facilities

The History department has access to chromebooks to support the student’s learning in lessons. We also provide students with the textbooks to be used in lessons. The department also provides a number of resources to aid students’ independent work such as Podcasts at KS4 and 5, a range of revision booklets, past papers and Homework tasks.

Key Stage 3

The Key Stage 3 History curriculum is an exciting journey through time, designed to spark curiosity and develop a deep understanding of the past. Students explore a wide range of fascinating topics, from ancient civilizations like Egypt and Rome, to pivotal events such as the Norman Conquest, the Industrial Revolution, and World Wars. Through engaging lessons, students uncover how historical events have shaped modern society, while learning key skills such as critical thinking, source analysis, and constructing historical arguments. This curriculum ignites a passion for history, setting a strong foundation for further study and a lifelong interest in the past.

Assessments aim to assess the skill they need to be successful in History later in their school career. We test a variety of historical skills by including: Essay questions, Source questions and Interpretation questions.

Key Stage 4

Edexcel GCSE History offers students a broad exploration of key historical events, themes, and eras that have shaped the modern world. The course covers a range of topics such as Medicine through Time, The American West, Weimar and Nazi Germany, and Superpower Relations during the Cold War. Students develop critical skills in evaluating historical sources, analyzing cause and effect, and constructing well-argued interpretations. This course encourages a deeper understanding of how past events influence present-day society, while fostering analytical thinking and research skills, preparing students for further study or careers in history, politics, and journalism.

Course Specification