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The Willink

History

The History Department teaches in mixed ability groups.  We aim to produce work that will challenge all students whilst supporting the less able.

We believe that students must be taught to think and question. Parents can assist in Year 7 by encouraging students to read widely and visit Reading Museum and other historical sites, at home and abroad.

Key Staff

  • Miss E Mace - Head of Humanities
  • Mrs J Harbidge
  • Mr A Sizer
  • Mrs H Jonas
  • Miss L Argent
  • Miss Openshaw
  • Ms Exelby

Key Stage 3 - Years 7, 8 and 9

History Milestone Assessment Schedule 2023/24

Year 7 Year 8 Year 9
 Historical Skills Poos and Loos World War One
1066 Revolutions Life in Nazi Germany
 The Medieval World The British Empire The Holocaust
 The Medieval World Slavery World War Two
 Yalding & the Black Death Slavery The Cold War
 The Tudors The Industrial Revolution Diversity in the 20th Century

The following Links provide useful revision resources

https://spartacus-educational.com/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zk26n39

Key Stage 4 (GCSE, Exam Board: AQA) - Year 10 and 11

Germany 1890-1945: This period study focuses on the development of Germany during a turbulent half century of change. It was a period of democracy and dictatorship – the development and collapse of democracy and the rise and fall of Nazism.

Conflict and Tension in Asia 1950-1975: This wider world depth study enables students to understand the complex and diverse interests of different states and individuals and the ideologies they represented. This study also considers the role of key individuals and groups in shaping change, as well as how they were affected by and influenced international relations.

Britain: Health and the people: This thematic study will enable students to gain an understanding of how medicine and public health developed in Britain over a long period of time. It considers the causes, scale, nature and consequences of short and long term developments, their impact on British society and how they were related to the key features and characteristics of the periods during which they took place.

The Normans c.1066-1100: This option allows students to study in depth the arrival of the Normans and the establishment of their rule.

In Year 10 students will study the following topics/units:

Term 1 & 2: Germany 1890-1945 - Democracy and dictatorship

Term 3  -  5: Health and the people c.1000 to the present day

Term 6:  Conflict and tension in Asia 1950-1975 (Korean War)

In Year 11 students will study the following topics/units:

Term 1: Conflict and tension in Asia 1950-1975 (Vietnam War)

Term 2 & 3: Norman England c1066-1100

Term 4: Revision

Term 5 & 6: Examinations

There is no longer a coursework component in this GCSE syllabus
The following links provide useful revision resources:

https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/examspecs/zxjk4j6

Key Stage 5 (AS & A-Level, Exam Board: AQA) - Years 12 and 13

The Age of the Crusades 1071 - 1204 (1A):

This option allows students to study in breadth issues of change, continuity, cause and consequence in this period through the following key questions:

  • What were the motives of the crusaders and the counter-crusaders?
  • What problems faced the states in Outremer and how successfully were these problems addressed?
  • How important were faith and ideas for Christians and Muslims?
  • What was the impact of the crusades on the Muslim Near East?
  • How did the Byzantine Empire, Outremer and the Latin West change and what influenced relations between them?
  • How important was the role of key individuals and groups and how were they affected by developments?

The Making of Modern Britain 1951 - 2007 (2S):

This option provides for the study in depth of the key political, economic, social and international changes which helped to mould Britain in the second half of the 20th century. It explores concepts such as government and opposition, class, social division and cultural change. It encourages students to reflect on Britain’s changing place in the world as well as the interrelationship between political policies, economic developments and political survival.

Coursework:

The Civil Rights Movement 1865 - 1970.

The final grade is comprised of 20% coursework and 80% final examination.

Why Study this subject?

The History course at A Level allows for an exploration of the past which covers a wide spectrum of Historical issues. It allows students to develop their intrigue in Historical Enquiry and allows students the opportunity to engage in current affairs and political debate.

History Course Guide Key Stage 5

Optional Extra-curricular information

Trip to the Battlefields of WW1 for Year 9

Berlin trip for Years 10 & 11.

 

Last Updated November 2023