Senior School
History

Nine specialist teachers teach history across both campuses. Close links between History, Politics and Sociology have been developed. The subject is compulsory in Years 7-9 and we broadly follow the National Curriculum for History, which includes many exciting skills-based projects and exercises.

At GCSE, History is an extremely popular option with boys and girls studying courses in Modern World History. OCR Modern World History course is followed including work on Britain 1905-1918, International Relations 1945-1990, The First World War and Soviet Russia. Large proportions of pupils gain top grades at GCSE. History is also very popular as an AS and A2 subject and there are two options available.  The Early Modern option encompasses the Wars of the Roses, a European outline, Tudor Rebellions and the reign of Elizabeth 1. The Later Modern option focuses on a combination of Nazi Germany, British 19th century History and American History.

The History department has continued to deliver excellent results over the last five years. At GCSE over 50 % of candidates achieved A* or A grade. At A Level 85% of candidates achieved A or B grade.

A History Society meets three times a term to discuss papers given by students or to welcome outside speakers. There are annual residential study visits, for Year 9 pupils to the Normandy beaches and for Year 11 pupils to the Battlefields sites of the First World War and biennial Sixth Form trips to Berlin and the United States of America. Day trips are also organised for all year groups.

The department is increasing its ICT involvement with a range of activities for Years 7, 8 and 9. A website has recently been developed by staff and students to commemorate all the school’s Old Boys and Girls who died in the First World War.  Click here to visit the site.