History
“History is not a burden on the memory, but an illumination of the soul.” Lord Acton
History at Hendon School endeavours to develop students’ critical thinking skills by taking them on a journey through time to discover about past people and societies. It does so through engaging lessons that are characterised by discussions and debate. Students are taught to analyse historical sources.e use a variety of accessible learning activities that develop students’ knowledge and understanding, as well as developing essential transferable skills.
Students have 3 lessons a weeks
Exam board: Edexcel Specification A (www.edexcel.com)
The GCSE History course offers a fascinating insight into some of the most exciting and controversial historical issues and developments in 20th century British, European, American and world history. A range of thought-provoking issues which students enjoy learning about include the injustice caused by racism and intolerance in the USA in the early 20th century, such as lynching of African Americans and the execution of Sacco and Vanzetti; the controversy over the origins of the Cold War, during which superpower rivalry nearly brought us to the brink of a nuclear holocaust; and the rights and wrongs of British presence in Northern Ireland. Students also travel in time to learn about the lives of British people from the end of WWII to the more risqué time of the Swinging Sixties. Every year we travel to Belfast to understand more about the experiences of both Protestants and Catholics who lived through the ‘Troubles.’
Autumn |
Spring |
Summer |
|
Year 10 |
Unit 2C |
The USA, 1919-1941 Unit 1 |
The Era of the Cold War, 1943-1991 |
Year 11 | Unit 4
Controlled Assessment: Conflict in Northern Ireland, c. 1968-1999 |
Unit 3C |
Revision for exam |
Assessment criteria
Units, 1, 2 and 3 are written exams, and each exam is 1 hour and 15 minutes. Unit 4 is the Coursework. Each unit is worth 25%
Outside the classroom
- Debating Society (e.g. ethics in medicine)
- Master Classes (e.g. the significance of the Reconstruction period in the USA in the 19th century)
- A range of trip opportunities, including History Taster Days and a trip to Belfast
Progression pathways and careers
History is a highly respected subject which admissions tutors at university, and employers from all works of life, value because of the transferable skills it develops in people. These skills include communication, planning and organisation, analysis and evaluation, presentation, and leadership. There are a wide range of careers that historians follow, including:
- Government (councillor, MP, lobbyist)
- Education (teacher, lecturer, researcher)
- Management
- Law (solicitor, barrister, police, forensic scientist)
- Journalism
Useful links
www.schoolhistory.co.uk
www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
www.edexcel.com
www.aqa.com
www.britishpathe.com
Contact
Mr Peter Hines Head of History - hinesp@hendonschool.co.uk