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Shenley Brook End School

Shenley Brook End School

History

Intent

We study History to ask and answer questions about people and events in the past which help us to better understand our present.  We think it is important to develop your cultural capital by investigating historical narratives, debates and dilemmas locally, nationally and internationally.  We aim to make sure that you can evaluate evidence; identify and analyse different interpretations of the past; and substantiate judgements that you make – all skills that will be prized in your life beyond Shenley Brook End School.   

Further Information

 
Key Stage 3

In Year 7 and Year 8 students follow a curriculum which explores the political, social and economic history of Milton Keynes, Britain and the wider world from 1066 to the present day, investigating themes such as power, religion, conflict, ideology, inventions, and science and technology. Students learn through engaging with a sequence of historical enquiries such as ‘What limited the power of medieval kings?’; ‘To what extent has crime and punishment changed, c.1000 - the present?’; ‘How successfully was racial injustice challenged around the world after 1945?’ Students learn to develop their extended writing skills and to examine, analyse and evaluate a range of historical sources and interpretations.   

In Year 7 and 8 students are taught History in mixed ability form groups for 3 1 hour lessons per fortnight.  

We use the following textbooks, alongside a wide variety of other resources in lessons:  

  • Wilkes, Invasion, Plague & Murder: Britain 1066-1509 (Oxford)  

  • Wilkes, Renaissance, Revolution & Reformation: Britain 1509-1745 (Oxford)  

  • Wilkes, Industry, Invention & Empire: Britain 1745-1901 (Oxford)  

  • Wilkes, Technology, War & Independence: 1901-Present Day (Oxford)  

These are helpful website for you to use: www.schoolhistory.co.uk     www.spartacus-educational.com    www.bbc.co.uk/history  

 
Key Stage 4

In Years 9, 10 & 11 students who opt to continue studying History at GCSE follow the AQA History specification (8145). Students are taught History by specialist history teachers in mixed ability groups for 5 1 hour lessons per fortnight at Key Stage 4.  

The AQA GCSE History Specification is as follows:  

Paper 1: Understanding the modern world  

Section A: Period studies: 1B Germany, 1890–1945: Democracy and dictatorship  

Section B: Wider world depth studies: Conflict and tension between East and West, 1945–1972  

Paper 2: Shaping the nation  

Section A: Thematic studies: 2A Britain: Health and the people: c1000 to the present day  

Section B: British depth studies including the historic environment: Norman England, c1066–c1100  

The full specification can be accessed here: http://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/history/specifications/AQA-8145-SP-2016.PDF  

We use the following textbooks, alongside a wide variety of other resources in lessons:  

  • Bruce et al, Oxford AQA GCSE History Thematic Studies c.790-Present Day (Oxford)  

  • Waterson et al, Oxford AQA GCSE History British Depth Studies c.1066-1685 (Oxford)  

  • Ferriby et al, AQA GCSE History Understanding the Modern World (Hodder)  

We recommend the purchase of the following Revision Guide:  

  • Jenner et al, My Revision Notes: AQA GCSE 9-1 History (Hodder) - ISBN 978-1510404045  

 
Sixth Form

History is also a popular choice at A Level. Students are taught in mixed ability groups by specialist teachers for 10 1 hour lessons per fortnight. They follow the AQA specification (7042):  

Component 1C: The Tudors: England 1485-1603  

Component 2N: Revolution & Dictatorship: Russia 1917-1953  

Component 3: NEA  

 The full specification can be accessed here:  

http://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/history/specifications/AQA-7041-7042-SP-2015.PDF  

Students work from their own copies of the following textbooks, in addition to a wide variety of departmental resources:  

  • Tillbrook, Oxford AQA History The Tudors: England 1485-1603 (Oxford)  

  • Rowe & Waller, Oxford AQA History Revolution & Dictatorship: Russia 1917-1953 (Oxford)  

  • Sanders, Access to History: Civil Rights and Race Relations in the USA 1850-2009 for Edexcel (Hodder)