'History is a guide to navigation in perilous times. History is who we are and why we are the way we are'. David C. McCullough

The History department offers students an insight into real lives. The four members of the department are all passionate about history and enjoy sharing their enthusiasm with students. 

History is a popular subject both at GCSE and A level and students achieve excellent results. We provide pupils with a sound foundation of historical knowledge and analytical skills; concepts of citizenship are also crucial.

Key Stage 3

Year 7 pupils study medieval kingship and Islamic civilisation. Year 8 students focus on the development of the UK in the 16th and 17th centuries.  In Year 9, the emphasis is on European history in the 20th century.

GCSE

We currently following courses offered by Edexcel.

At GCSE we study the 20th century - topics include the Russian Revolution and the USSR; Britain 1931-51; the Cold War and coursework on the Vietnam War.

AS and A Level

We currently follow courses offered by AQA.

At A Level students study the French Revolution and Napolean; Mao's China; the English Civil War and coursework on the Wars of the Roses. Here they have an opportunity to investigate movements that have changed our world, as well as considering the role of the individual in history.

Extension Activities

We support our lessons with a range of visits and lectures. Year 7 visit the Tower of London. Year 8 visit Hampton Court. Year 9 spend an exciting and moving day at Ypres, visiting battlefields and cemeteries of the First World War. Year 10 visit the Cabinet War Rooms and Year 11 support their work on the Cold War and Britain during the Blitz with a visit to the Imperial War Museum. In Year 12 we offer pupils a residential visit; this year we are visiting Northumberland to prepare them for their coursework on the Wars of the Roses. Year 13 make use of the nearby National Archives at Kew when studying the Civil War.

In addition to these trips, students are encouraged to attend lectures held by local history societies and to participate in debating. In 2011 Year 10 pupils won the under 16 category of the Historical Association's Richmond area Balloon Debate. This year we are pleased to be hosting this event. It is also hoped that Year 12 pupils will compete in the Historical Association's 2012 'Great Debate.'