At Key Stage 3, we aim to inspire curiosity and develop students’ ability to ask questions, think critically, and analyse evidence to form well-reasoned judgements. Students engage with the work of historians and historical debates, building an understanding of key concepts such as continuity and change, cause and consequence, similarity, difference and significance.

Students have 4 lessons per fortnight in Years 7–9.

Year 7

Students begin with a study of migration and how it has shaped the British Isles from Roman times to the present day. They then explore key themes such as power, monarchy and religion through medieval and early modern history, including:

• Medieval Britain (1066–1509)
• The Norman Conquest
• Power of medieval monarchs
• Mansa Musa and the development of Timbuktu
• Local study: Elizabethan Plymouth

Year 8

Year 8 focuses on power, revolution and empire, including:

• Britain 1745–1901: industry, empire and political change
• Ideas of revolution and social change
• The First World War and its impact
• The Paris Peace Conference and post-war settlement

Year 9

Students study key twentieth-century events and global challenges, including:

• The divided post-war world
• The Holocaust and resistance
• The British Civil Rights Movement
• Britain, Europe and the wider world from 1901 to the present day

Across KS3, students develop a strong foundation in historical thinking, preparing them for further study and a deeper understanding of the modern world.

GCSE History is a stimulating and relevant subject that helps students develop skills in research, analysis and critical thinking. Students learn how to construct arguments, evaluate interpretations and form their own judgements about key historical events and individuals—skills highly valued by employers and further education providers.

The course encourages independent learning and the use of a wide range of resources, including websites, documentaries, newspapers and historical literature.

Exam Board

Edexcel GCSE History (9–1)

Course Aims

Students will:

• Engage in historical enquiry using a range of evidence
• Understand causes and consequences of major events
• Develop critical and reflective thinking
• Become independent learners

Course Content

Thematic Study & Historic Environment (30%)

• Migrants in Britain, c800–present
• Notting Hill, c1948–c1970 (Windrush generation focus)

Period Study (20%)

• The American West, c1835–1895

British Depth Study (20%)

• Early Elizabethan England, 1558–1588

Modern Depth Study (30%)

• Weimar and Nazi Germany, 1918–1939

Assessment

All units are assessed through external examinations at the end of Year 11.

This course provides students with a strong understanding of key periods in British, European and world history, while developing valuable analytical and evaluative skills for future study and employment.

Exam Board: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/history-2016.html

Attention – Current Year 12's will continue on the AQA course into Year 13. However new Year 12's from September 2026, will switch to the Edexcel course.

A Level History is a highly regarded academic subject that encourages debate, discussion and critical thinking. Students develop the ability to evaluate different interpretations of the past and form well-reasoned judgements—skills that are highly valued at university and in employment.

The course is delivered by a well-resourced department using specialist materials and texts to support high-quality learning.

Course Aims

Students will:

• Develop key historical skills such as analysis, evaluation and judgement
• Study a range of historical sources and interpretations
• Explore Tudor England and 20th-century Russia in depth
• Understand how the past has shaped current affairs
• Develop a strong interest in historical enquiry and debate

Course content:

Unit 1 – Germany and West Germany, 1918–89

Explores political change in Germany from 1918 to 1989 and its impact on economic, social and cultural developments.

Unit 2 – The rise and fall of fascism in Italy, c1911–46

Italy’s transition from a weak liberal state to a fascist dictatorship and eventual return to democracy

Unit 3 – Rebellion and disorder under the Tudors, 1485–1603

How the Tudor monarchy dealt with rebellion and disorder through both broad developments and key events.

Unit 4 – Non-Examined Assessment

Independently researched coursework assignment focused on a chosen historical question, problem or issue.

Assessment

All assessments are completed at the end of Year 13 through external examinations and coursework.

Progression and Careers

History is a popular and respected A Level that supports university study in subjects such as History, Law and Politics. It also complements English, Sociology, Psychology, Languages, Mathematics and the Sciences.

Employers value History for the strong analytical, communication and argumentation skills it develops, with students progressing into a wide range of academic and professional careers.

Exam Board: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/history-2015.html

A Level Politics is a current, engaging and thought-provoking subject that develops independent, critical thinkers. Students explore contemporary political issues, current affairs and ideological debates, while building strong skills in argument, analysis and evaluation.

Course Aims

Students will:

• Develop critical thinking and independent judgement
• Analyse and evaluate political ideas and ideologies
• Engage with current affairs in the UK and USA
• Build strong research, communication and debate skills
• Interpret and assess political information confidently

Course Content

Component 1: UK Politics and Government (33.3%)
Study of the UK political system, including Parliament, the Prime Minister, Cabinet, judiciary, devolution and key constitutional issues.

Component 2: US Politics and Comparative Politics (33.3%)
Study of the US political system, including Congress, the presidency and comparisons with UK government and constitutional frameworks.

Component 3: Political Ideas (33.3%)
Exploration of core ideologies such as Liberalism, Conservatism and Socialism, plus one additional ideology (e.g. feminism, nationalism or ecologism).

Assessment

All assessments are through examinations at the end of Year 13.

Careers and Progression

Politics opens doors to a wide range of careers, including public affairs, journalism, policy analysis, marketing, public relations and social research.

It is a strong A Level for university study and combines well with History, English, Languages, Mathematics and the Sciences.

Exam Board: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/politics/a-level/politics-7152/specification