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History

Year 9 (Block 3)

We begin the year by examining the subject of History itself and Great Men and Women in History.  We look at the contribution of Individuals to History and consider what might qualify some for Greatness. This leads to a brief project by students in which they select, study and present their chosen 'Great' figure from History. In the process they will learn about research: how to use the library, how to use the Internet responsibly and even how to use a book! We then embark on a study of World War One, looking at causes, women's roles in the War, some key individuals (Haig, Lawrence of Arabia for instance) and the campaigns of the Somme and Ypres, leading to a 'Battlefields Tour' in the second term where we visit Belgium and France. 

Here students have an opportunity to trace the History of members of their family and to see how they were involved in the War.  We also look at how Bedales was involved in the war through individual case studies of Bedalians. Towards the end of the year, students follow topics driven by the interest of their particular set teacher and the subject varies from set to set.

In History, we are attempting to develop the students' understanding of the process of historical argument by encouraging them to collect, sift and evaluate evidence. We also aim to improve their skills, such as reading, note-making, the construction of coherent explanations and extended writing. A wide range of resources will be used during the year, including ICT software and the Internet, alongside more traditional sources of information.

View pictures taken by students during a History fieldwork visit to the battlefields of Belgium.

View a poem written by a Block 3 student about the battlefields.

Years 10 & 11 (Blocks 4 & 5)

This course in Modern European and World History offers one of the few remaining opportunities in GCSE examinations for developing an argument in a piece of extended writing. The course aims to provide access to the main political ideas that shaped the twentieth century and gives an insight into the issues and conflicts that exist in contemporary society. Particular areas studied are America (Civil Rights; Blacks; Students and Women); Nazi Germany, The Cold War and (for coursework) Britain and Northern Ireland.

Examining Board: Edexcel 1334

Sixth Form

History at AS/A2 level will examine political, social, religious and cultural developments in England and Europe during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.  As the majority of students taking GCSE History will have focused on the twentieth century, the AS/A2 course is designed to broaden their experience of studying the past. Students who want to take History in the Sixth Form should have an enquiring mind and an interest in the past, and enjoy argument.

The new A Level course will comprise an AS course (first year of Sixth Form) which will be split into two modules, both assessed externally with a one and a half hour examination each. One module will be document-based and will be a study of The English Civil Wars and The Interregnum, 1637-1660. The other will be a period study of European History, probably Spain under Philip II (late sixteenth/early seventeenth century). The A2 (second year Sixth Form) course will also consist of two modules, only one of which will be examined externally. There will be an opportunity to visit Russia during the course.

Examining Board: OCR

Head of Department: Jonathan Selby

Download a guide to the Sixth Form Curriculum.

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