History

The History curriculum at Cockermouth School encourages our students to become curious, to develop their own opinions and values based on a respect for evidence, and to build a deeper understanding of the present by engaging with and questioning the past. Our choice of topics offers students the chance to study a range of periods in history: civilisations and cultures beyond Europe, and political, social and cultural history. In addition to learning and analysing our past, our students develop important skills that make them highly employable. History continues to be a highly regarded academic qualification, developing analytical skills and ability to think critically; skills which are sought by numerous businesses. Successful history students have great employment opportunities in a range of fields such as heritage, culture, law, journalism, teaching, publishing, investment banking, and the Civil Service.

Key Stage 3

Does the History Department follow the National Curriculum?

Yes

The Key Stage 3 History curriculum is delivered in the form of a range of enquiries. In Year 7 students will look at key aspects of medieval British history such as the Norman Conquest and evaluate its significance, and aspects of medieval life, including the Black Death. Year 8 moves to early modern British history. Students can expect to study significant individuals and events such as Henry VIII, the growth of the British Empire, the Transatlantic Slave Trade and the Industrial Revolution and urbanisation. Finally in Year 9, students will learn about modern European and world history. They study the First World War and the Holocaust and events that lead to the rise of Fascism and the link between protest and reform.

Key Stage 4

GCSE History is a preference subject at Key Stage 4 and students follow the EDEXCEL specification. GCSE History begins in Year 10 with a study of Anglo-Saxon and Norman England from c1060 to 1088. It includes topics covering Anglo-Saxon England and the Norman Conquest, 1060-66; William I in power: securing the kingdom, 1066-87; Norman England, 1066-88. Students will then study Medicine through time, c1250 to the present day. Topics will include medicine in medieval England, the Medical Renaissance, medicine in 18^th and 19^th century Britain, medicine in modern Britain and medicine in the British sector of the Western Front, 1914-18. Moving into Year 11 students begin with a study of Weimar and Nazi Germany 1918-1939. Topics will include the Weimar Republic 1918-1929; Hitler’s rise to power, 1919-33; Nazi control and dictatorship, 1933-39; and life in Nazi Germany, 1933-39. Students will then study Superpower relations and the Cold War, 1941-91. Topics will include the origins of the Cold War, 1941-58; Cold War crises, 1958-70; and the end of the Cold War, 1970-91.

Further information about the History specification can be found using the following link:

Edexcel GCSE History (2016) | Pearson Qualifications

Key Stage 5

At Key Stage 5, History students follow the EDEXCEL A Level specification.

In Year 12, the students will cover two exam units. One unit is titled ‘In search of the American Dream: the USA, c1917–96’. Topics include the changing political environment, 1917-80; the quest for civil rights, 1917-80; society and culture in change, 1917-80; the changing quality of life, 1917-80; and the impact of the Reagan presidency, 1981-96. The second unit is titled ‘South Africa, 1948–94: from apartheid state to ‘rainbow nation’’. Topics include the response to apartheid, c1948-59; radicalisation of resistance and the consolidation of National Party power, 1960-68; redefining resistance and challenges to National Party power, 1968-83; and the end of apartheid and the creation of the ‘rainbow nation’ 1984-94. In Year 13, students will study one exam unit and complete a piece of a non-examined assessment marked by the class teacher. The exam unit is titled ‘Poverty, public health and the state in Britain, c1780-1939’. Topics include paupers and pauperism, 1780-1834; less eligibility: the Poor Law Amendment Act and its impact, 1832-47; the government, self-help and charity, 1847-80; social welfare reforms: pressure and action, 1880-1914; depression and the dole: poverty in the interwar years, 1920-39; the impetus for public health reforms; and changes in public health. The non-examined assessment element will consist of a choice of questions based around the two areas of study undertaken in Year 12 and focuses on different historical interpretations.

Further information about the A Level specification can be found using the following link:

Edexcel AS and A level History 2015 | Pearson Qualifications