History is a very popular and lively subject at King Edwards’s. All students in Years 7 to 9 study History and many continue with it for GCSE and A-level. We encourage students to enjoy not just learning about the past but also debating issues. Our syllabus ensures that all students have a good understanding of the modern world by the end of Year 9.

All students in these year groups study History through a vibrant and challenging curriculum designed to give a good understanding of our past. We also teach the skills needed to be a good historian at GCSE, A-level and degree levels. The ability to synthesise and analyse information and ideas, to communicate effectively and to be able to understand various points of view are key skills for later life and employment. We have a combined chronological and thematic approach to the past and aim to ensure that all students have a sound grasp of the modern world by the end of Year 9. There is a field trip in both Years 7 and 8 focussing on local sites as examples of the broader picture.

Our GCSE syllabus is the AQA Modern World Syllabus (Specification B). We cover International Relations from 1919 to 1963, Germany and Russia from 1918 to 1945 and Britain in the Second World War. Two pieces of coursework are completed, one each on the General Strike of 1926 and the Vietnam War.

This is an exciting syllabus which reflects the current popularity of inter-war and post-war European history. The course builds upon the skills and material covered at Key Stage 3. We also develop the students’ ability as historians so that they can meet the challenges of A-level. Examination technique is also covered throughout the two year course. Coursework amounts to 25% of the final mark and is tackled at the end of Year 10 and start of Year 11.

The strength and popularity of the subject at King Edward’s is reflected in the fact that we offer two A-level courses.

AQA Early Modern History

The Protestant Reformation: Henry VII; Course Essats; Elizabeth I; Spain 1469 - 1598 and one of the Dutch Revolt, Charles V or Sulemain the Magnificent; Henry IV of France. 

AQA Late Course

Britain 1895 to 1954. Germany and Russia 1870 to 1914. Course essays. Fascism and Communism. The Debate surrounding the origins of the Second World War.

Both courses are exciting and challenging and cover the same skills. Neither course requires prior knowledge. Students have a free choice as to which era they would like to cover. At A-level we aim to encourage each student to reach their full academic potential and thereby to open up the possibility of History and related courses at university. Lively debate is a key element of the A-level course as students are encouraged to formulate their own point of view.

Politics

Politics is only available at A-level. We teach the AQA syllabus which at AS level looks at the political systems and structures existing in Britain, the parties and nature of voting behaviour and the European context. At A2 we cover a comparative course examining Britain and the United States of America as well as broad political issues such as power and representation.

The course does not examine the personal views of students, although intensive debates do often occur! Students do not need to have studied any particular subject at GCSE to do this course, but they do need to have a genuine interest in the world around them and the nature and role of politics in the modern world. The subject teaches a broad range of skills. The examination requires students to show their ability to use their knowledge and understanding of political structures and systems to assess various viewpoints and to discuss alternatives. They need to be able to communicate effectively and to be up to date with political issues and developments. The lessons also teach students to debate ideas and to be effective advocates for a point of view, not always their own!

This is a popular subject that is valued by universities for its academic rigour. Students often pursue their interests at university through a variety of politics,  international relations or current affairs courses.