History
Introduction
Stratford Girls’ Grammar School realise that the study of History helps to explain the past, but also understand the present. Our History department helps to develop a student’s skills in analysis, interpretation, questioning and judgement, which are all essential for navigating the increasingly complex world we live in today.
History is one of the most successful departments within our school in terms of examination results, both internally and compared to other schools locally and nationally. We also offer impressive opportunities to expand knowledge beyond the classroom, for example, visits to Berlin, Germany; Paris, France; Hampton Court and the Black Country Museum.
Key Stage 3 Curriculum:
At Key Stage 3, our young historians are encouraged to work together and develop their empathetic skills to gain a better understanding of the past and to see the relevance and importance of past societies and cultures. We explore British history and monarchs but also diverse, global and assorted empires and conflicts.
Year 7
Term 1 focuses on developing an understanding of what History is? Students then study the Battle of Hastings, including the causes, the event itself and the aftermath.
In Term 2, students research King John and Thomas Becket as well as how people used to live in England, exploring different clothes, food, culture and living conditions as well as historic revolts such as the gun powder plot.
Local History is the key theme of Term 3. Inspired by our unique surroundings, students research the history of Stratford-upon-Avon, the history of their local area, the school environment, the manor and the inspirational women our buildings are named after. Historical trips often take place towards the end of term, including visits to Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and the War graves at Stratford Cemetery.
Year 8
World Rights and Freedoms are the focus in Term 1, including a study of an African Empire, the Transatlantic slave trade and the impact that has on Britain.
In Term 2, Renaissance, Reformation and Revolution are explored Including the Civil War and the Glorious Revolution of 1688.
Revolutions remain the key topic in Term 3, as students research the Industrial Revolution and other national-scale revolts. Students undertake independent research into examples of revolutions of their own choosing, researching and presenting their discoveries to the class.
Year 9
World Wars are the topic of Term 1, including the causes of WWI, the lost generation, how the Nazi party become the ruling party of Germany, WWII and the Atomic Bomb. Students will learn how a war becomes a World War and will each choose a country to research and present findings on to investigate that country’s role in the War.
In Term 2, examples of freedoms are explored via topics including democracy in Greece, peasant revolts, suffragettes, conscientious objectors and the history of ongoing fights for equality and LGBTQ rights.
Term 3 looks at monumental moments in History such as the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War. Students undertake a research project focusing on the impact of a major event, considering differing interpretations and what happens next. Topics include the Arab and Israeli conflict, Northern Ireland, the Iraq wars, 9/11 and conflict in Syria.
Key Stage 4 Curriculum:
Our unique setting and historic school features, such as the Grade II listed manor, provides students with inspiration that few others can match. At GCSE, the aim of the History department’s curriculum and teaching remains instilling genuine enjoyment for learning about the past. We believe that when students are having fun in their learning, then they become successful, which is reflected in our results year on year.
Students will acquire the ability to effectively communicate knowledge and understanding of select periods of history. They will explore the significance of events, understand the nature of historical evidence and learn the methods used by historians to conduct high-level analysis and evaluation. A deep understanding of how the past has been interpreted and represented is explored as well as the nature of historical study, evidence and provisional judgements.
Students are encouraged to argue their case rationally as well as listen to the views of others, further developing their own skills through debate, discussion and the delivery of conclusions in the classroom. Through the study of history, future career skills are developed that can be applied to many careers including teaching, finance, law, journalism and human resources.
For more information, please view the latest resources available below.
Resources
Click the exam board logo below for the exam specification :
Gallery