History

A brief description of the course followed in Years 7 and 8.

The Years 7 and 8 syllabus is loosely based on the National Curriculum Key Stage 3 History course, being built around two themes in Year 7 – Medieval Britain and Castles and Cathedrals – and two themes in Year 8 – The Making of the United Kingdom and Expansion, Trade and Industry.  In this way the history of the United Kingdom is traced from the Norman Conquest through to the turn of the Twentieth Century.

In Year 7 the following topics are covered:

  • An introduction to the nature of History and the skills necessary for the study of the past
  • The Norman Conquest and its impact on England
  • The medieval village and the growth of towns
  • Conflict between church and state – Henry II and Becket
  • The roots of democracy – King John, the Magna Carta, and the extent of royal power
  • The Black Death
  • The Peasants’ Revolt (studies through the production of a three week project)
  • The development of castles and cathedrals (supported by a field trip to the Marcher Castles of the Borders)

In Year 8 the following topics are covered:

  • Richard III – History and propaganda
  • Bosworth, the qualities of kingship, and the founding of the Tudor dynasty
  • Henry VIII – his lifestyle, his marital complications and the break with Rome
  • The dissolution of the monasteries (studied through a three week project and supported by a field trip in conjunction with the Religious Studies Department to Glastonbury Abbey)
  • Life for the rich and the poor in Tudor England
  • The Stuart dynasty and the Civil War
  • Plague and Fire
  • The union of the crowns of England and Scotland
  • The industrial revolution and empire
  • Slavery (studied through a three week project)
  • Problems of industrialisation and analysis of the Edwardian ‘Golden Age’

Throughout the two years pupils will develop not only a working knowledge of the history of the United Kingdom, but also skills of analysis,  evaluation and critical thinking, verbal and written communication, and learn to use sources.  Fundamental historical concepts of change and continuity, cause and consquence, and the presentation of the past will also be addressed.  It is also hoped that the three projects that pupils will undertake over the course of the two years will encourage their independence and equip them with the skills necessary to succeed in GCSE coursework.

                                                                            R.A.A. Reid

R.S.

Personal & Social Education

English

History

Geography

Mathematics

Physics

Chemistry

Biology

Languages

Art and Design

Design and Technology

Music

Drama

Information Technology

PE

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