History
In Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9), students explore how power, society and identity have shaped the modern world. They begin with the formation of England, the Norman Conquest and Magna Carta, before studying global civilisations such as Mali and Benin, the Tudor period and the English Civil War. Learning then widens to empire, slavery, industrial change, women’s suffrage, world wars, the Holocaust, the Cold War and decolonisation. Through analysing sources, interpretations and historical evidence, students learn to explain cause, consequence, change and significance. By the end of Year 9, they can form clear historical judgements and understand conflict, cooperation and social change in the twentieth century and beyond.
In Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11), students deepen their study of international relations, democracy and dictatorship through the interwar years and Germany from 1890–1945, before exploring Elizabethan England and the long history of medicine and public health. They refine their ability to evaluate sources, compare interpretations and construct detailed historical arguments about causation, change and significance. By the end of GCSE, students understand how political systems, belief, science and society shape human experience across time, and can communicate balanced, evidence-based conclusions about the past.
In Key Stage 5 (Years 12–13), History becomes an advanced exploration of power, revolution and state control through studies of Tudor England and Russia from revolution to Stalinism, alongside independent research into the American Civil Rights movement. Students master the evaluation of primary sources and historians’ interpretations, develop sustained analytical essays and conduct their own historical enquiry. By the end of Year 13, they leave as confident critical thinkers—equipped for university, careers in law, politics, heritage and beyond—and prepared to engage thoughtfully with the complexities of the modern world.
View the KS3 History curriculum map