History
| About the Faculty |
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Sir John Lawes the History department has four dedicated and enthusiastic historians, who have high expectations of all students. We aim to equip students with the skills to investigate history in an empathetic way, to think critically and analytically about the past and to develop budding enquirers. |
| Curriculum Intent Statement |
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Our history curriculum targets to nurture our students’ curiosity to know more about the complexities of the past. At Sir John Lawes School, we aim to develop a love of History through a structured chronological framework which equips students with in depth knowledge and the understanding of change in Britain and the wider world, which will help them make sense of the present day. Through this chronological approach, students will develop other historical concepts that will enable them to challenge the constructs of the past and create meaningful arguments that will help them become analytical individuals. |
Key Stage 3 Curriculum
Key Stage 3 provides the foundation for students’ further study of History. We seek to make History one of the most dynamic subjects at Sir John Lawes by utilising a variety of teaching and learning styles. We will build on students chronological understanding whilst introducing them to the idea that History is made up from a series of interpretations. We also run a History Club for students which is run by our enthusiastic sixth form students and looks at various historical mysteries that are not covered in the curriculum!
In Key Stage 3 students study a balanced and diverse curriculum covering a broad period of History that includes:
Year 7
- An exploration into life and culture beyond Europe through the significance of the Ancient city of Baghdad.
- A focus on Medieval Life after the Battle of Hastings and the changes made during Norman England.
- A comparative study of Medieval Monarchs from around the world from King John to Mansa Musa
- An investigation into the religious changes of the Reformation under Henry VIII.
Year 8
- An investigation into those who gained and lost from the British Empire.
- A study into the complex nature of World War I.
- An exploration into some inspiring women in History – from Joan of Arc to Malala Yousufzai
Year 9
- An investigation into the persecution of the Jews and the Holocaust, with a focus on the experience of the victims and a debate around those who were responsible.
- A comparative study of Controversial figures of 20th century from around the world from Idi Amin to Enoch Powell.
- The causes and events of the Second World War, with an enquiry into the experiences of those who were involved and how their experiences differed.
- An exploration into the Changing face of Britain from 1950-current day. Focussing on diversity, cultural change and what it means to be British.
We aim to continue to inspire our students whilst introducing them to vital historical and academic skills needed at GCSE.
Key Stage 4 Curriculum
Key Stage 4 history gives students the opportunity to develop the core skills that they have learnt in key stage 3, including analysing information and using this to construct an argument, assessing how reliable this information is and forming your own opinion. History at GCSE will give you a deeper understanding of the world you live in as we study a range of topics about Modern European and World History. At Key Stage 4 students follow the Edexcel, (History A) Exam Board in which students investigate topics including;
Unit 1: British Thematic Study with Historic Environment:
- Medicine in Britain, c1250-present
- The British sector of the Western Front, 1914-1918, treatment and the trenches
Unit 2: Period Study and British Depth Study
- Superpower Relations and the Cold War, 1941-91
- Early Elizabethan England, 1558-88
Unit 3: Weimar and Nazi Germany, 1918-39
- Unit 1 and 3 are worth 30% of the final GCSE grade and Unit 2 is worth 40%. All exams will be sat in the Summer of Year 11.
Useful websites:
- http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk
- http://www.historyonthenet.com
- http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk
- http://www.johndclare.net
- http://www.bbc.co.uk/history
- http://www.edexcel.com/quals/gcse/gcse09/history/a/Pages/default.aspx
- http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/type/gce/hss/history_a/
Key Stage 5 Curriculum
Board: Edexcel (9HI0) Route C
History places particular stress on the development of independent thought, analytical skills and interrogation of historical evidence. The History faculty has high expectations of all its students to be motivated and active participants. Most importantly you need to have a genuine interest in the subject itself.
Although not compulsory, it is highly recommended that you have studied History at GCSE to study the A Level course as it builds on skills and techniques learnt at KS4. If you have taken History at GCSE you will find that the skills you have learned will provide strong foundations for Sixth Form work.
Assessment
You will be regularly assessed by means of extended answers, written essays, presentations and source analysis focussed activities throughout your A-Level course.
There will be four formal assessments at the end of A-Level year; three exams and one piece of coursework:
Paper 1: Breadth Study with interpretations
- 30% A Level
- 2 hours 15mins
Assessment:
- Section A: one breadth essay
- Section B: one breadth essay
- Section C: one interpretation question
Paper 2: Depth Study
- 20% A Level
- 1 hour 15 min
Assessment:
- Section A: one source question
- Section B: one depth essay
Paper 3: Themes in breadth with aspects in depth
- 30% A Level
- 2 hours 15mins
Assessment:
- Section A: one source question
- Section B: one depth essay
- Section C: one breadth essay
Coursework
- 20% A Level
- 3000-4000 word essay
Course content
The History course will appeal to you if you have an interest in the way that the world has developed through the ages, and if you enjoy investigation and discovery, debate and putting forward a well-argued case.
Students will study the following topics in their first year of study for Modules 1 & 2 of the A Level History course:
- Britain,1625–1701: conflict, revolution and settlement
- France in revolution, 1774–99
The second year of study will consist of Modules 3 & 4:
- The Witch Craze in Britain, Europe and North America, c1580–c1750
- The Russian Revolutions c1894-c1924 (coursework)
Entry requirements
If you have previously studied History you will be expected to have achieved grade 6 or above at GCSE. If you are new to the subject you will be expected to have achieved grade 6 or above in GCSE English. All students must have an APS of 4.5 or above.
Marking Policy
Extended Curriculum
Lessons from Auschwitz VI Form visit
Belsen75 Legacy Project (VI form project)
Big Ideas Company funded projects such as Remembering Passchendaele. A display which was placed in Harpenden Library and is now displayed in the school library.
Young Filmmakers Awards, a collaborative project with the Media Faculty that focuses on the Windrush Generation, the Rivers of Blood Speech and the impact of Brexit today.
