All pupils in Years 7-9 study History. The subject is a popular option choice at GCSE and at A Level...

STAFF

Mrs H Skilton (Head of Department)
Mr J M Grantham
Miss K L Ormsby (Head of Fairfax House)
Mrs C A Rees
Miss I Rengalink
Mr C R Seeley (Deputy Headmaster)

FACILITIES

The History Department is housed in suited accommodation in the main school building. We have three main school teaching rooms and one dedicated sixth form room. Each of the main teaching rooms is equipped with an interactive Smart-board. History students have full access to the School's ICT facilities, and we encourage our students to make use of ICT both in lessons and at home.

CURRICULUM

In the Shells, students study British Medieval history between 1066 and 1485. In Year 8, we continue our study of British History up to 1660. In Year 9 our focus turns to the 19th and 20th centuries. We look at the Industrial Revolution in Britain and the impact of the British Empire. We then study the two World Wars.

The department follows the OCR Modern World (History B) syllabus at GCSE. Students study International Relations between the two World Wars, Germany 1918-1945, and British History 1890 - 1918. The controlled assessment will focus on the role of Lenin in the Russian Revolution of 1917.

At A level, the department follows the AQA History syllabus. The main theme studied throughout the two years is power: how power is acquired, used, challenged and lost under different rulers at different times. AS students complete two modules: Britain 1483-1529 and the USSR under Stalin, 1924-41. At A2, students study either the USSR 1941-1991 or Britain 1547- 1603 as their examined unit and Tudor Rebellions or the Arab-Israeli Conflict as their coursework unit.

ETHOS

The department aims to develop a passion for history in all its students. Pupils are encouraged to think critically, to challenge traditional interpretations and to develop their own arguments about the past. Learning about past cultures and societies helps pupils to understand issues from more than one point of view and to develop toleration and compassion towards those who have different experiences from their own. History also helps our students to place current affairs in their historical context so they gain a greater understanding of the world around them.

DESTINATIONS

Each year several students opt to study History at university, whilst others choose subjects such as Law, Politics, Economics and English.  History provides breadth of study to those intending to do science and A Level students have also gone on to study science degrees including Medicine and Engineering.

EXTRA CURRICULAR

The Junior History Society meets every Wednesday. Shell pupils visit Warwick Castle in the Autumn Term. 3rd Year pupils have the opportunity to visit the First World War battlefields in Belgium. Our GCSE and A Level pupils are catered for by biennial visits to Berlin and Russia respectively.

CONTACT

For more information, contact the department head at:

hs@bablake.coventry.sch.uk