History
Head of Department: Mr J. Neville
History tells us who we are, where we have come from and what we have inherited. Learning from the past benefits our futures!
At St Aloysius’ College we provide a broad curriculum which covers a wide range of exciting historical periods. Students explore events, changes and the lives of both ordinary and extraordinary people, to develop an understanding and appreciation of local, national and international communities.
Students learn a variety of transferable skills; developing coherent arguments, evaluating sources, analysing different perspectives, assessing relative importance, and expressing their ideas. Lessons are dynamic with students being engaged to reach their full learning potential through a variety techniques, including critical essay writing, source work, role plays, debates, presentations, interactive activities, and multimedia.
The History Department endeavour to take all year groups on trips and visits, both local and abroad, to enhance their studies. Two particularly beneficial trips include the year 9 Battlefields trip to explore pivotal war history sites in France, and a visit to a local Synagogue where students have the opportunity to meet and learn from a Holocaust survivor.
Key Stage 3
All students in year 7 and 8 study History to give them a grounded understanding of the chronology of events which shaped Britain and the world they live in. Our students learn to interpret the challenges faced by a variety of societies over time, and identify the catalysts and processes which brought about change.
In year 7 students study the Medieval world through to the Tudor Age; covering the Battle of Hastings, William the Conqueror, the Black Death, Henry VIII and more! These studies will provide students with an understanding of how the past has changed over a period of time, what influenced changes in how people lived, and how Great Britain began to expand its influence in difference parts of the world.
In year 8 students explore what life was like for people living in the period between 1603 and 1901. This is such an exciting period seeing great change; the overthrow of Kings and rulers, the birth of the United Kingdom, the development of industry and the growth of empire. Finally, students will study the First World War from its origins to the horrors of the battlefield.
Year 9 students will study systems of government such as Democracy, Dictatorship, Communism and Capitalism during the 1920s and 1930s. This then links to the rise of the Nazi party in Germany. Students then move on to the Second World War from its causes to key events. This unit will include key battles, the Holocaust, the war against Japan and the dropping of the atom bombs. Finally, students will study the Post-war world including the Cold War and significant social, cultural and economic developments in the USA.
Key Stage 4
Students can choose History as their GCSE humanities subject or as a further optional choice. History is interesting; full of facts, actions and surprises! Studying past events and influential people will allow students to understand how the world became what it is now, and how it will continue in the future. The History Department teaches the AQA History syllabus which allows students to build upon the skills and topics they have experienced in KS3, whilst exploring different aspects of the past and themes that run throughout history such as conflict, power, work and poverty.
Year 10 students will continue their studies of the USA, covering 1920 – 1973 including the civil rights movement, the Great Depression, impacts of war, and popular culture. Topics will then move on to studies of Power and the People between 1215 and 1980, looking at themes of changing relationships between monarchy and the people, studying the rise and development of Parliament, various equality and rights campaigns, the American Revolution, conflict and tension in Asia, and more!
In their final GCSE year students in year 11 continue their studies of conflict and tension in Asia, including the Korean and Vietnam War, as part of the global Cold War. Students then build upon their previous knowledge of Medieval England and the reign of Edward I. Students then spend the remainder of the year revisiting all topics covered throughout their GCSE studies to ensure the information is refreshed and embedded for their exams.
For a more detailed explanation of the GCSE course and assessment format please click here.
For a more detailed breakdown of the curriculum please see the Curriculum Overview and more details can also be found in the Curriculum Booklet.