History - Shireland Collegiate Academy

History helps students to understand the complexity of people’s lives, the process of change, the diversity of societies and relationships between different groups, as well as their own identity and the challenges of their time.

Head of Department: Mr Smith

I studied for an undergraduate degree in Ancient History at Cardiff University and a Masters degree in the History of Christianity at the University of Birmingham before completing a PGCE at the University of Warwick. I started teaching at Shireland Collegiate Academy in 2013 and have been Head of the Humanities Faculty since 2018.

History in Year 7 is taught as a part of the L4L thematic curriculum.

History in Year 8 is taught as a part of the L4L thematic curriculum.

History in Year 9 is initially taught as a part of the L4L thematic curriculum. In the Over the Top theme students explore the impact of the First World War and its legacy. In Big Apple, students investigate the impact of 9/11 on society, including the subsequent invasion of Iraq. Wild West sees students examine life on the Great Plains and the interactions between settlers and Native Americans. In Made in China students discover China’s incredible rich history, including the construction of the Great Wall of China and the development of Chinese society and culture.

After beginning their GCSE Options after Christmas in Year 9, in Year 10 students will continue studying for their GCSE History. Units covered this year include American West c.1835-c.1895 and Early Elizabethan England 1558-1588.

As well as beginning intensive preparation for the summer examinations, students will study Weimar and Nazi Germany 1918-1939 and Warfare and British Society c.1250-present. This latter unit includes a historic environment study on London in the Second World War.

KS4 COURSE

WHAT IS THE COURSE ABOUT?

Edexcel GCSE History

GCSE History is an academically challenging and rigorous subject that demands commitment on the part of the students who study it.

Unit 1 – Thematic Study and historic environment: Warfare and British society, c1250–present and London and the Second World War, 1939–45.
Unit 2 – British Depth Study: Early Elizabethan England, 1558–88.
Unit 3 – Period Study: The American West, c1835–c1895
Unit 4 – Modern Depth Study: Weimar and Nazi Germany, 1918–39

This course is assessed by four examination papers which are held in the summer term at the end of Year 11. There is no coursework. Students will be prepared for this by classwork, homework which is set every week with regular feedback and regular examination question practice. Within the classroom, students will have the opportunity to express their views and debate the significance of the topics studied.

WHAT CAN HISTORY LEAD TO?

All A-levels and different degree courses.

The study of people is at the heart of History- their feelings, attitudes, prejudices and motivation. This understanding is very useful in the ‘people professions’, from receptionists, hairdressers and beauticians to teachers, the health service, social work, lawyers, and civil servants.

History teaches key life skills and helps to prepare students for interviews and university life.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

Four examination papers across three sessions at the end of Year 11. There is no coursework or controlled assessment.

WHAT SKILLS ARE REQUIRED?

Independent learning, high quality written communication skills, sophisticated vocabulary, analytical and evaluative skills, ability to evaluate primary sources and historical interpretations.