Welcome to the History Department
How do you know who you are unless you know where you’ve come from? How can you tell what is going to happen unless you know what has happened before? History isn’t just about the past, it is about why we are who we are, and about what is next. – Tony Robinson
History at Harrow Way continues to be an increasingly popular subject amongst Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 students.
Our aim is to provide quality History lessons that are accessible to all, in a safe and welcoming environment. We strive to ensure that the value of every child is recognised and we assist them in achieving to the best of their ability.
History at Harrow Way endeavours to enable all students to understand the past that has shaped the world in which they live and in doing so, build up a greater appreciation of the contemporary world and are equipped to take their place in shaping the future.
The History Department is dedicated to the study of History and thoroughly believe that it is one of the most important and fascinating subjects in the National Curriculum. It is one of the only subjects allows the student to explore a diversity of periods, people, societies, places and events. The study of History puts the present into perspective as no other subject does, which places an important and significant responsibility on those who teach it.
History is all around us on TV, in newspapers, on bookshelves and at the cinema. At Harrow Way, we believe that History forces students to ask questions about particular people, events or cultures not just Where and When but more importantly, Why and How. As a department, we encourage our young Historians to think about these questions and discover the past for themselves, and in so doing, form their own opinions whilst developing their own analytical and reasoning skills.
Curriculum Content
Key Stage 3
Year 7
In Year 7 we explore the way that Britain became one country, asking ‘who are the British really?’ We then study the impact of the Norman invasion and ask how far it changed life in Britain. We explore the lives and beliefs of ordinary people and the power of the church. Students continue their Year 7 History studies by looking at the rule of the Tudors before examining how society was different in Africa during the same period. We then finish by looking at how far life had changed once the power of the church started to crumble.
Year 8
The first part of Year 8 centres around the study of Global Britain. We explore the impact the British Empire and slavery had on ordinary people and grapple with why it’s so hard to teach. We then look at the Industrial Revolution and how Britain became the workshop of the World. Moving on we study how Britain became a democracy, focusing on the struggle women had to gain the vote. In the summer term we switch to our local history study and ask how Andover fits into the bigger picture. Finally we go back to migration and ask why people chose to move here after 1066.
Year 9
In Year 9 students focus on the 20th century and ask how ideologies and warfare changed the lives of ordinary people. We begin with a study on World War One, then move to the interwar years and focus on the rise of extreme political ideas. Students then study World War Two and look at where the extreme ideas led with a case study on the Holocaust. Finally we look at America as the symbol of Capitalism in the 20th Century.
Key Stage 4
Year 10
At GCSE, Year 10 students will follow the AQA GCSE History specification which will then continue into Year 11, which covers the following topics:
- America 1920-1973
Experiences of the Depression
Post War America – Was the American Dream an illusion? - Migration 973-1900
Conquered and conquerors
Looking West – was profit the only motive? - Migration 20th Century
Legacy and loss of the British Empire
World War One: Causes
Year 11
At GCSE Year 11 students will follow the Edexcel GCSE History specification, which covers the following topics:
- Crime and Punishment – Early modern crime
- Elizabeth Depth Study 1558-1588
- Crime and Punishment: Industrial and 20th Century
- Environment study: Whitechapel and the Ripper investigation
Historic Journeys at Harrow Way
Our History Department strongly believe in the importance that outside of the classroom learning has on students of all ages. It is because of this that we are delighted to be able to offer a new selection of trips for all year groups. We hope that these educational experiences will benefit the personal growth and historical understanding of all students.
Year 7
Warwick Castle – This visit, in the Spring Term, gives Year 7 students the opportunity to visit a Medieval castle and independently investigate its purpose and examine the defence structure of the building.
Year 8
Imperial War Museum and the London Dungeons – This visit, again the Spring Term, will provide our year 8 Historians the opportunity to bring to life some of the work we complete around the First and Second World Wars. The Imperial War Museum houses an incredible collection of items and they really bring the story to life. The London Dungeon offers our students a sneaky peak at what is coming in year 10 and our study of Crime and Punishment.
Year 9, 10 & 11
Berlin – This three night trip in the Autumn term aims to support the new specification on Nazi Germany 1918-1939 and Superpower Relations. The visit will take in the History of Berlin, looking at the impact of Hitler and Nazis and taking in the realities of life during the Cold War.
Year 10
London – A one day visit to London to support the new specification on Elizabethan England, Crime and Punishment and Whitechapel. Students will visit the Clink Prison followed by the Tower of London and then complete a walking tour of Whitechapel.
Year 11
School History Scene – Inquisition of Elizabeth. This revision trip aims at assisting Year 11 Historians in their revision on Early Elizabethan England. Students will see theatrical performances and seminars, which are focused on the GCSE course, providing them with a very different and exciting way of revising.
