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History

About

In Year 7, we begin by asking big questions like “What is History?” and explore how historians uncover the past. We travel back to the medieval world, meeting knights, kings, and ordinary people, and discover how power and belief shaped their lives.

In Year 8, we sail into the age of empire and revolution. We learn how Britain changed during the Industrial Revolution and explore the impact of empire across the globe. We also hear the voices of those who resisted and fought for freedom.

In Year 9 We start studying for GCSE Paper 1 – Medicine through time.

In Year 10, we move on to Paper 2 and the topic of Anglo-Saxon and Norman England before moving on to our Paper 3 study on Germany 1918-1939.

Finally, in Year 11, we explore the Cold War from 1943-1991 before taking time to revise and recap in the build-up to the GCSE final exams.

Links to future careers

Where Can History Take You?

History helps us understand the world – and prepares us to shape its future.

Over five years, students develop powerful skills that are valued in many careers:

  • Critical thinking – asking questions and analysing evidence
  • Communication – writing clearly and speaking confidently
  • Research – investigating sources and drawing conclusions
  • Argument & Debate – building strong cases and defending ideas
  • Empathy & Perspective – understanding different views and cultures
  • Problem-solving – making connections and thinking creatively

These skills open doors to exciting careers in:

  • Law – using evidence and argument to seek justice
  • Politics & Government – making decisions that shape society
  • Journalism – investigating stories and sharing the truth
  • Education – inspiring the next generation
  • Museums & Heritage – preserving and presenting the past
  • Business & Management – leading with insight and strategy
  • International Relations – solving global challenges

 

Staff lists

Mr J Harrison – Subject leader of History (Upper School)

Mrs J Bruins – Subject leader of History (Lower School)

Miss C Drakard – History Teacher

Miss C Mourant – History Teacher

 

Interventions

History After School Clinic (Wednesday Week B) (Y11)

History After School Intervention (Thursday Week A) (Y11 by invitation)

Specification

Edexcel GCSE (9-1) History

Our GCSE History course is structured across three papers:

  • Paper 1: Medicine Through Time, c1250–present [30% – 1 hour 20 minutes]
    A thematic study exploring the development of medical knowledge and public health, including a focused study of a historic environment.
  • Paper 2: Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, c1060–1088 & Superpower Relations and the Cold War, 1941–91 [40% – 1 hour 50 minutes]
    This paper combines a British depth study of the Norman Conquest with a modern period study of international relations during the Cold War.
  • Paper 3: Weimar and Nazi Germany, 1918–1939 [30% – 1 hour 30 minutes]
    A modern depth study examining the rise and impact of the Nazi regime, with a strong focus on historical interpretations.

Skills Developed

Studying History at GCSE equips students with a wide range of transferable skills, including:

  • Critical analysis of sources and interpretations
  • Structured argumentation and essay writing
  • Chronological understanding and thematic comparison
  • Evidence-based reasoning
  • Empathy and perspective-taking through diverse historical contexts

These skills not only support progression to A Level History but also benefit students across other subjects and future career paths.

Our curriculum builds on Key Stage 3 foundations and is designed to be accessible, engaging, and academically rigorous. Whether exploring medieval medicine or Cold War diplomacy, students are encouraged to think deeply, ask questions, and understand how history shapes the world today.

What will be assessed and when

In Year 7 and Year 8, students will be assessed on their knowledge and historical skills within the context of our thematic studies. This will be at the data drop points in the year – Y7 will be assessed in January, and Y8 will be assessed in both October & May.

In Year 9, we begin the GCSE content. The English Language assessments will be as follows:

  • Y9 – History Paper 1 Assessment in Spring 1
  • Y10 – History Paper 2 Assessment – Y10 Mocks in April 2026
  • Y11 – History Paper 2 and 3 – Y11 Mocks in November 2025
  • Y11 – History Paper 2 and 1 – Y11 Mocks in February 2026

The Year 11 History final GCSE exams are on the following dates:

  • History Paper 1 – Friday 15th May
  • History Paper 2 – Thursday 4th June
  • History Paper 3 – Tuesday 9th June

Latest exam results

We are very proud of our excellent GCSE results for 2025 History results:

  • 65% of students attained a 4 or above
  • 34% of students attained a 7 or above
  • 5 students attained a 9

Exam Board

Edexcel

Assessment Format

100% terminal examination

Grade method

9-1

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History 5 Year Curriculum Map

How to revise

2025

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History - 2025 Question a Day
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History Task 1A - 20 minute task
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History Task 1B - 20 minute task
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History Task 1C - 20 minute task
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History Task 2 - 20 minute task
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History Task 3 - 20 minute task
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History Task 4 - 20 minute task
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History Task 5A - 20 minute task
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History Task 5B - 20 minute task

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