See our History Curriculum below at Bentley Wood for KS3, KS4 and KS5
“The function of the historian is neither to love the past nor to emancipate himself from the past, but to master and understand it as the key to the understanding of the present.”
E. H. Carr (Historian and Writer)
History is actually one of the most commonplace subjects: it is all around us. Its popularity in books, films and television testifies to its instant appeal, reflecting our enjoyment in a good story, a hunger for knowledge of the past and a desire to develop our understanding of where we have come from.
The study of History not only provides the opportunity to understand the past but also valuable training in the skills of research, empathy, comprehension, as well as an analysis of a wide range of material, to reach a reasoned interpretation and/ or opinion.
At Bentley Wood we believe that History teaches so much more than just some ‘dusty old facts from the past’ and we aim to provide an experience that will stimulate our students and develop a life-long interest in the subject. Employers and academic institutions place a high value on skills developed through the study of History. In particular, they are impressed by the ability of Historians to research, analyse and present information. Above all, History helps us to think logically and put forward reasoned arguments.
History is a well established subject which can serve as an appropriate academic springboard into a wide variety of courses in higher education and a diverse range of jobs. History graduates are recruited successfully into a considerable range of occupations, which include the law, administration and management, buying, marketing and selling, accountancy and computing as well as teaching, librarianship and journalism. Discerning political leaders and employers have always valued the training history provides.
Our world is littered with fellow historians who have achieved success in a variety of areas, from television to politics, acting to singing: TV presenter Louis Theroux, Ex Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Hollywood actress and model Miro Sorvino, Coldplay’s lead singer Chris Martin and of course ex history teacher Sting.
We hope that our history students at Bentley Wood will go on to do great things in the future too.
In Year 7 we start with a pre-1066 enquiry looking at what the Romans did for us and we focus on the local area of Stanmore and Harrow. Students then move on to historical enquires from 1066-1750. Within these enquiries students explore Norman England, the Chinese and Arab Empires in the Middle Ages, and the Tudors and Stuarts. Year 7 students also visit Windsor castle to enrich their learning of the Tudor period.
In Year 8 students continue to develop their love of history. Students in Year 8 consider the history of freedom through the American and French Revolutions and the Slave trade; the development of Empire with a key focus on how the British Empire affected the rest of the world; WW1 and WW2 with a key focus on how these major events impacts all people. As part of this study students Bentley Wood Priory and investigate how their local area was involved in the World Wars.
We actively encourage all students to develop a love for history through their reading. As a result we have put together a comprehensive fiction book list to support students throughout Year 7 and 8.
Aim of the Course:
At Bentley Wood we believe in the importance of not just learning history, but learning from history. Understanding past events, people and their significance gives us all a better insight into the world around us. The History curriculum at Bentley Wood ensures student-centred learning that inspires them to discover, question and evaluate the past. We have a joint vision to plan and deliver an ambitious, demanding curriculum that challenges and enables all groups of students to make progress and achieve their best.
Paper 1 Wider World History:
Paper 2 British History:
GCSE Topics to be studied from Year 9-11:
This course is 100% examination. There are two written papers at the end of Year 11. Both of these are 2 hours.
This course gives students a good grounding in all the skills that are needed to progress to A level History, Politics and Classics.
History is a highly respected traditionally academic subject and can lead to a career in law, journalism, the civil service, economist, archivist, researcher, police officer, publisher, social worker, teacher and any career where you need to investigate, weigh up evidence and reach a substantiated conclusion.
Employers of top business firms and graduate schemes value History highly as a degree subject and many top universities offer exciting courses.
Why should you choose GCSE History?
At Bentley Wood there is a team of highly experienced, knowledgeable and dedicated History teachers who run an interesting and dynamic course covering interesting and thought-provoking topics.
GCSE History is challenging but extremely rewarding and many of our students are vocal about how they are inspired through learning stories from the past.
The department provides a comprehensive revision programme throughout KS4 in addition to extra support that helps all students prepare for their examinations, ensuring that they reach their full potential.
Is History the subject for you?
If you like to think critically, to argue differing viewpoints and to know that there isn’t always a right answer then History is for you. All we ask is that you are enthusiastic with a positive approach to learning. The current pass rate is 100% and our A2 students last year gained 100% pass grades A-C grades, while our AS students gained 100% pass grades and 90% A—C grades. History is for you if you enjoy learning about the past. To understand the past you will come to a far better understanding of the present.
‘The focus will be on both Early Modern and Modern history. Component 1 is a Breadth Study and students will investigate The Tudors: England, 1485-1603. Component 2 is a Depth Study and students will investigate Democracy and Nazism: Germany 1918-1945. For students continuing on from GCSE at Bentley Wood, these options give them the opportunity to build on their knowledge and skill at GCSE and ensure success at A level. These will be examined in May 2016 by completing two papers each of two hours and thirty minutes. There is a third component (NEA) which gives students the opportunity to carry out an independent piece of historical research based on either India or Russia over 100 years.’
Methods of study
You will learn how to write clear, well-argued essays and how to organize, present and research. Skills of interpretation and evaluation will be developed throughout the course. You will learn through a variety of teaching methods including role play, video, student presentations study visits and debates. There is even a virtual classroom where you can contribute to a discussion forum and pod cast your ideas!
How will it be examined?
AS qualification will not count towards the final grade of an A Level and be a separate qualification in its own right (Linear).
History also offers students the opportunity to acquire and improve on many of the key skills which have been identified as a priority for Higher Education after consultation with employers. It may surprise you to learn that historians do, in fact, provide more directors of Britain’s leading companies in proportion to the number of graduates than any other subject, outperforming law, science and engineering. History can open doors to a whole range of careers but in particular it suites; research, law, public services, social work, leisure and tourism, marketing, journalism and all forms of media, theatre and film. There are a number of websites and television channels dedicated to History. You may even want to become a History teacher.