Examining the events that shaped our world
History is fascinating, so our aim is more than just strong exam results. We want pupils to love studying the past and to benefit from it throughout their lives.
It helps to develop vital life skills such as independent research, considered analysis of evidence and clear communication of persuasive argument. History provides us with the contextual basis for understanding the world today.
One of the most popular choices for GCSE and A-level, a healthy number of leavers also opt to read history at university, including Oxbridge.
Department Overview
In Year 9, we study the First World War, Votes for Women, the Russian Revolution, 1920s USA and a brief introduction to the Second World War. It is a really interesting and diverse course that develops an understanding of many of the major events that have shaped the present day and sets pupils up with historical skills and context for GCSE.
For IGCSE, we move on to study ‘The development of dictatorship: Germany 1918-1945’, ‘Divided Union: USA 1945-1974’, ‘The Vietnam War 1945-1975’ and ‘China 1900-1989’. At IGCSE results are strong with on average a third of pupils being awarded the highest grade of a 9, and over two-thirds scoring grades 9-7.
At A-level we study the important events and changes that took place in Britain between 1603-1702. We also look into some fascinating American history: both the causes, course and consequences of the American Civil War and the “long struggle” for civil rights for black Americans.
Beyond the Classroom
The department runs a number of trips each year. In the past these have included visits to Germany, the USA and the battlefields of northern France and Belgium. Our next scheduled trip is to New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC in October 2026.
“If you would understand anything, observe its beginning and its development.”
