History

The History Department at Hasmonean provides its students with a wide range of topics to explore, moving in Years 7 and 8 from medieval Britain to revolutionary France via Islamic civilisations. In Year 9, we conclude Key Stage 3 by looking at the Second World War, assessing its impact and considering the importance of key events, such as the impact of the Slave trade.

As well as expanding students' knowledge, the programme is also designed to develop vital historical skills. Visits to sites of relevance, such as the Tower of London and Windsor Castle, are incorporated into the study units. These help to stimulate both interest and understanding, providing a solid base for success at GCSE and A Level.

Teachers

• Mr J. Tutty, Director of Learning, Humanities, Ext 253
• Ms N. Miller, Subject Leader
• Ms A. Garland
• Ms L. Kober
• Ms L. Wensley
• Mr A. Feandeiro

KS3: Years 7-8

In Key Stage 3, students focus on one key theme in each of the two years.

Students are required to focus upon the importance of 1066 and the Battle of Hastings, as well as examine the ongoing struggle between the monarchy and the evolving parliament over the next four hundred years. This course is concluded with a critical examination of the actions of Charles I and Oliver Cromwell.

In Year 8, students explore the growth of technology and change in British identity from 1750-2000.

Students cover the growth of technology and the changing British identity over this period by examining the population explosion of the industrial revolution and the growth of the British Empire over two hundred and fifty years. They then investigate the impact of World War One and the effects of other key events in the Twentieth Century in shaping the British identity.

KS4: Years 9-11 (GCSE)

The OCR History B specification, "The Modern World", is followed. The core element in the course is the study of international relations after World War One. This includes examining the record of the League of Nations, its successes and failures, the causes of the Second World War, and co-operation and conflict in various regions of the world since 1945. The USA 1919-41 is studied in depth.

The other part of the course consists of an evidence-based study of Britain 1906-18.

The GCSE emphasises the central importance of "enquiry" methods in studying history. Interpreting and evaluating sources (such as speeches, cartoons and newsreels), allow for participation by students when studying topics. We offer a two day visit to the Ypres Salient in Belgium in Year 10 in order to allow students to come into closer contact with the topics they have been studying.

The coursework element has been removed for all students starting their History GCSE in the 2009/10 academic year. A controlled assessment now replaces the 25% mark previously allocated to coursework. This assessment will require students to prepare knowledge and skills for a broad topic area over the length of the course. Students are then expected to complete an essay response to a specific question, under teacher observation, over a number of lessons.

Students who began their GCSE course prior to the 2009/10 academic year will continue coursework worth 25% of the total marks. This is in two parts and covers Hitler's Germany and Stalinist Russia.

Post 16

Year 12 (A/S) & Year 13 (A2)

A/S Level History is a stepping stone to the full GCE Advanced qualification (A2), though it can be taken on its own. The A/S examination consists of two units of assessment, as does the A2. Each unit consists of a historical period, issue, event or individual chosen from a list of options. The central focus of these units will be Britain and Europe including the English Civil War, British Political History and Russia.

Assessment will take the form of two examinations at the end of Year 12, and one examination and a piece of coursework in Year 13. These are designed to test a student's knowledge and capacity to evaluate and analyse source materials, as well as an ability to answer essay questions.

The examination board used for A Level History is Edexcel.

Links