Welcome to the History department at KESH Academy

History at Key Stage 3

All students study History in Years 7 and 8. In year 7, students begin by completing a unit on key skills such as chronology and using evidence. Their first content topic focuses on English history surrounding the Battle of Hastings, the changes it brought and Medieval life. Students will then move on to study the Tudors and Stuarts, focusing on the various monarchs and events such as the Spanish Armada and English Civil War. The final topic within the year 7 curriculum is all about murder mysteries that happened in the periods already covered. Students will investigate strange stories such as the Princes in the Tower and Lady Jane Grey.

Year 8 begin their history lessons covering the dark side of the British Empire –the Slave Trade. Moving into twentieth century history, pupils will begin a unit on Civil Rights. This will focus on topics such as the Suffragettes, Northern Ireland and the impact of civil rights leaders in the USA, for example, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Year 8 will end their Key Stage 3 study of history by looking at the main events of the two world wars. Across all topics, pupils will develop skills of explanation, analysis, interpretation, evaluation and empathy.

GCSE in History

Click here to download the History PDF.

Why study this subject?

History is a traditional academic subject that is well respected by higher education institutions and employers. It is an important subject to study for careers in Law and politics and the transferable skills developed through the study of History can be applied to any modern day career. History broadens your understanding of the past and the world that we live in today. It allows you to look at the most dramatic and troubled periods in human History and to gain a perspective about why an event happened and its consequences. A GCSE in History is also perfect preparation for A-Levels because it prepares you for the higher level of analysis, thought and argument required to be successful academically.

What will I learn?

During this course you will study the following units:

• The People’s Health, c.1250-present: public health problems that people in Britain faced and how national and local governments responded.
• Living under Nazi Rule, 1933-1945: how Hitler ran his dictatorship of Germany and how this impacted on the lives of ordinary people in Germany and occupied Europe.
• The Making of America, 1789-1900: the expansion of America, the Plains Indians, American Civil War, big business and mass migration.
• The Elizabethans, 1580-1603: Elizabethan government, religion, life and foreign relations.
• History Around Us: A site study of Kenilworth Castle.

How will I be assessed?

Your class work and homework will be regularly marked and feedback given will ensure you know how to improve your progress and attainment. You will always know what grade you are working at and how to improve your performance and progress. The course involves three external examinations: Component 1: 1 hour 45 minutes (40%), Component 2: 1 hour (20%), Component 3: 1 hour 45 minutes (40%).

What qualifications will I get at the end of the course?

At the end of the course you will get a GCSE in History at a grade that reflects your work ethic and commitment.

What can this qualification lead to afterwards?

Qualifications in History lead to a wide range of career opportunities often relating to the highly desirable skills acquired by studying history for example solicitors and barristers, public services, politicians, managers, etc.

Post-16 Progression

A-Level History is a challenging yet exciting post-16 option open to those who achieve good grades in GCSE History and English. History provides a strong academic background for those students going on to do degrees in subjects such as Law, English, Journalism, Social Sciences, Humanities, Politics, Media, Psychology and many more.

How much homework will I have to do?

You will have to complete one piece of homework every week. You are also expected to continually develop your understanding independently and to review your class notes regularly.

Where can I find out more about this qualification?

You can speak to any member of the History department for more information on the course or look at http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse-history-b-schools-history-project-j411-from-2016. You must choose Geography, History or Spanish; choose Geography or History and Spanish for the EBacc.