Contact:

Mr Galloway: Director of Teaching and Learning – Enquire Faculty

Course Information

History shows students how to ask questions, organise their ideas and findings and obtain information from a wide variety of sources. Students are encouraged to reach conclusions based on their own research.  In class they will present their results in a variety of ways; writing up, diagrams, taking part in debate, role play and model making. Students will conduct field study using the local environment and it is the aim of the department to provide fieldwork opportunities in each academic year.  Students are taught to understand how development from early Middle Ages through to the mid 20th Century have helped shape the economy, society, culture and political structure of modern Britain.  Students will also study developments in Europe and the rest of the world and are helped to understand how the histories of different countries are linked.

Course Content

Course Content
Year 7Students begin by learning about History and an academic discipline and developing some key skills. They will then study the Anglo Saxons and Vikings, before asking the key question ‘Why did William win the Battle of Hastings?’ They will then look at the impact of the Norman Conquest as well as exploring religion and life in medieval England. A key focus of the next topic, Tudor England, is the break form the Catholic Church under Henry VIII as well as the conflict in Europe the led to Elizabeth I’s victory in the Spanish Armada. The final topic in year 7 examines Stuart England, in particular the English Civil Wars and their impact on society.
Year 8Year 8 takes a thematic approach, considering first of all the Atlantic Slave Trade and the development of the British Empire. Students will then focus on Protest, Democracy and Civil Rights, using the examples of the campaign for women’s rights in the early 20th century, before examining the challenges faced in achieving Civil rights for black Americans. The final topic in year 8 looks at the profound changes to the world brought about by the industrial revolution, with a strong local focus as well as exploring the exploitation of children in the factories.
Year 9Year 9 focuses on the cataclysmic events of the early 20th century, with students examining the course of the World War 1 by considering its impact on ordinary soldiers and wider European stability. Students look at Germany between the wars and examine the rise of the Nazis to power in Germany. This leads to series of lessons looking at the key events of World War 2, including its impact on Britain, and the reasons for the eventual Allied victory. The final challenging topic is an investigation into the reasons for and impact of the Holocaust on European Jews and other minorities.

Extra Curricular Opportunities

The department offers a wide range of opportunities to participate in field study visits. All students can attend the Castleton residential in Year 7 as well as visiting the local church.  Each academic year we also arrange a number of full day and residential fieldwork visits.  The aim of the department is to use the wider community and its members as an integral part of the curriculum.  We also encourage visitors into school to enrich students’ learning experiences.

Assessment

We use a range of assessment techniques across the department. Learning is assessed routinely in lessons as well as in more formal assessment settings.  We feel this helps students to reflect on their learning and teachers to adapt their practice to support the progress of students.  Books are marked on a 2-3 week cycle with detailed feedback being given on extended pieces of work and homework tasks.  Students respond to feedback in green pen to help improve their learning.  Homework is set as per the schools homework calendar with a range of tasks being set to support and challenge all learners.

If you have any questions or queries relating to the History curriculum please email Dgalloway@anthonygell.co.uk  for more information.