Putney High School

History

'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. There are five members of the department - all passionate about history and who enjoy sharing our enthusiasm with our students! 

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

Key Stage 3

Year 7 pupils study medieval kingship, while undertaking independent research on 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 at GCSE and A Level offered by Edexcel.

At GCSE we study the 20th century - topics include the Russian Revolution and the USSR; Women’s rights and involvement in the democratic process; the Cold War and the growth of European unity.

AS and A Level

At A Level students focus on the English Civil War, the French Revolution and Napoleon; 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 a medieval castle and cathedral in France, during a cross-curricular residential visit. Year 8 visit Hampton Court and spend a day at the Black Country Living Museum as part of a cross-curricular residential trip. Year 9 spend an exciting and moving day at Ypres, visiting battlefields and cemeteries of the First World War. Year 10 take part in a workshop on the suffragettes at Gunnersbury Park museum and Year 11 support their work on the Cold War with a three day visit to Berlin.  The Sixth Form make use of the nearby National Archives at Kew when studying the Civil War.

In 2006, our Sixth Form students were the winners of the Historical Association’s first on-line debate and received their prize from Lady Antonia Fraser at the Banqueting hall in Whitehall.

 

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