History Department

History is a compulsory part of the school curriculum in Years 7-9. We follow aspects of the National Curriculum in Key Stage 3, and parts of the syllabus in Years 7-9 have been developed from those units. Consequently, the approach to the teaching of the subject stresses both flexibility and variety, allowing different teachers to develop their own ideas and working methods. At its simplest level, we attempt to instil in our students knowledge, understanding and interest in the past; based on enquiry, investigation and analysis.

A variety of techniques are employed from traditional teacher-based lessons, through to use of Drama and role-playing. Empathy work, use of primary sources, projects and access to an extensive range of video material are all aspects of study which are employed and encouraged within the department. Increasingly, the use of ICT and internet research forms an important part of enquiry

Each mixed ability year group receives two single 40-minute periods per week. One homework per week is also set, of approximately 20 minutes duration in Year 7 and 30 minutes in Years 8 & 9.

GCSE History is an optional subject in Years 10 & 11. The take up rate is normally approximately 40-50% of the year group, i.e. 25-30 students, taught in two (sometimes three) mixed ability groups. Each group receives four periods per week, normally arranged as two doubles. There are two homework assignments, of approximately an hour and half an hour duration.

Sixth form groups usually average between five and ten students. The written assignments are usually essay or source/document based and completed approximately one every ten days.

Lessons per Week
Year 7  2 periods each 
Year 8  2 periods each 
Year 9  2 periods each 
Year 10 2 groups x 4 periods each
Year 11 2 groups x 4 periods each
Year 12 1 group x 6 periods
Year 13 1 group x 7 periods 

Trips
It is departmental policy to support a variety of historical fieldwork throughout the key stages, often in support of other departments within the Humanities faculty. We also arrange a three-day residential First World War battlefields trip every other year.

There are also occasional, special trips e.g. a four-day commemorative tour of Normandy to commemorate the 60th anniversary of D-Day.

Exam Results and Statistics
In 2011, 21 pupils took GCSE History. the pass rate at A-C was 100%, with 85.7% achieving A/A* grades.
4 pupils took A-level History. the pass rate was 100%, 75% at A/B grades. The average points score was 9.33.

In 2010, 31 pupils took GCSE History. the pass rate at A-C was 96.8%, with 71% achieving A/A* grades.
6 pupils took A-levlel History. the pass rate was 100%, all at A/B grades. The average points score was 9.33.

In 2009, 32 pupils took GCSE History. the pass rate at A-C was 96.9%, with 59.4% achieving A/A* grades.
6 pupils took A-level History. the pass rate was 100%, with 50% gaining A/B grades. The average points score was 7.

Staff list:
Mr. P.Baker BSc Econ PGCE - Head of Department
Miss. P. Lyma-Young BA PGCE

To see Year 7 History Syllabus Click here
To see Year 8 History Syllabus Click here
To see Year 9 History Syllabus Click here
To see GCSE History Syllabus Click here
To see A-Level History Syllabus Click here

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