History

You will be learning about: 

The American West 1835-1895.  We study how the American West was transformed from a land inhabited by Plains Indians living traditional lives; to how this was destroyed and replaced by mostly white Americans who farmed, mined, worked as cowboys, built railroads and fought against the Indians to ‘settle’ the west in a little over 60 years.  Are these the foundations that make America ‘the land of the free,’ or is this an episode in American history which all Americans should be ashamed of? 

Early Elizabethan England 1558-88.  This unit examines Elizabeth’s problems on her accession and the pressures she faced during her early reign. We examine how Elizabethans grappled with poverty and homelessness, religious fanaticism and relations with Europe: issues that are as relevant now as they were nearly 500 years ago. 

Medicine in Britain c1250 – present. This unit examines change and continuity over 8 centuries. Where do our ideas about the cause and treatment of disease, anatomy, physiology, methods of surgery, public health and the training of medical practitioners come from?  How were they different in the past and what factors caused them to change?  We also examine British medicine on the western front during World War One.   

Weimar and Nazi Germany 1918-39. This unit examines the impact of German democracy following the First World War.  We learn how and why this democracy was destroyed by economic circumstance, political trickery and Hitler’s Nazi Party. We also investigate Nazi policies before the Second World War and the impact they had on ordinary Germans.   

How will this subject help me in the future?  

History teaches you about the world you live in by building up an understanding of the world in other times, under different (or sometimes similar) circumstances. In short, studying History allows you to be a citizen of the world. For this reason alone, it is worthwhile pursuing. 

History is also very useful in any career that requires good communication, the ability to argue, spot trends and question and analyse significance such as journalism, law, accountancy or politics. 

Students should know that the study of History requires a lot of reading and success in this subject is measured through three examinations at the end of Year 11.  The questions mostly consist of essays, which is nothing to fear as long as you are prepared in advance and are willing to work hard independently and as part of a team. 

Please follow the link to view our History curriculum: