History fires the imagination whilst developing knowledge and understanding of how the human race has developed and changed over time. The interlocking stories of people and places add context to the knowledge-base of our students and promotes a sense of curiosity about history across the curriculum. History is highly valued as an academic subject as the skills and concepts covered in the GCSE and A Level lend themselves to any qualification or career path.
Creating a thirst for knowledge and a connection to the world around us through greater understanding is a strong part of the ethos of History at GNSA. As such we seek to take our students to see ‘history in action’ wherever possible.
Year 7 topics include:
What is history?
Why did William win at Hastings and how did he take control?
What was the impact of the Black Death on people’s lives?
To what extent did England become a Protestant country in the 16th Century?
What was the cause and consequence of the English Civil war?
What was the impact of the British Empire in the 18th and 19th Century?
Year 8 topics include:
How did people win the vote?
What was the most significant cause of WWI?
How significant was the role of gas in changing attitudes to war?
What was ‘golden’ and ‘roaring’ about the 1920s?
Why did the Holocaust happen?
Can Historians look at 9/11 as a part of history?
Assessments take place termly in class and involve the students preparing to answer an essay question under timed conditions.
Key Stage 4 – GCSE History Edexcel 9-1
Students will study the following:
Medicine and public health c1250AD to the present time (Thematic study) with The British sector of the Western Front 1914-18: injuries, treatment and trenches (Historic Environment)
This is a comprehensive look at how medicine and public health have developed over 2000 years of history as although starting in 1250 there is still consideration of the Greeks and Romans. Students identify key individuals and look at the significance of key moments on improving the way we live today. The study of the Western Front is the study of how modern warfare provided a challenge to medics in how to deal with complex injuries and mass casualties.
American West 1836-1895
This study considers the Westward expansion by the European settlers and the establishment of life on the plains by the homesteaders. Considering the challenges posed by the conditions and the relationship with the native Plains Indians the students get to grips with a key part of Americas history.
Henry and his ministers 1509-1540
A consideration of the key ministers of Henry’s reign and how they fit into the story with regards to his marriages and the religious changes that he started to make.
Weimar and Nazi Germany 1918-1939
Investigating the challenges faced by post war Germany and the rise of Hitler’s Nazi party students take an in depth look at how historical interpretations affect perception of past events.
This period study focusses on the challenge of the British in contending with the rise of Indian nationalism and the independence campaigns. Using sources along with detailed narrative there is the exploration of how events came to pass and the eventual partition of India.
America Boom and Bust 1900-1996
A study of the key events in American spanning the Post war years through to the Regan administration. Taking in a look at the civil rights movement and other iconic moments in US history
Poverty, Public Health and the state 1780-1939
Considering the role of government and individuals in the development of the British Public health system and attempts at lifting the people from poverty.
Students from the VIth Form have gone on to study history at Royal Holloway and Leicester in recent years. In addition some who opted to follow post 16 education elsewhere have also gone on to take degrees in history at SOAS and many other institutions.