Westminster City School
Striving for Excellence, Learning for Life

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History

Vision

Our aim is to create students who have a well rounded knowledge of world history. Through the study of history, the department believes that students can develop skills that will stay with them for life. History is as relevant a subject today as it has ever been and the department firmly believes that through dedicated and enthusiastic teaching, students will develop a deep understanding of history that will benefit them for years to come.

Staffing

Mr J. Abbott – History Subject Leader
Miss L. Antony – KS3 History teacher
Mr T. McCann – KS5 History Teacher
Ms L.Walwyn - KS3 and 4 History Teacher

Curriculum

The aim of the curriculum is to develop diverse historians who have a wide knowledge of a variety of different time periods and topics. Key Stage 3 is focused on students developing skills and awareness of a variety of different issues which cover from the Norman Invasion of 1066 all the way up to modern day conflicts, such as Afghanistan and Iraq. The topics are built around the desire to build the five basic historical skills of chronological understanding, enquiry, organisation, interpretation and depth of knowledge. The wide variety of topics on offer aim to build historians who specialise in a variety of different areas

The Key Stage 4 curriculum aims to provide a specialised programme of study that builds upon the foundations laid during Key Stage 3. Currently students focus on four main historical areas: Germany 1918-45, The Cold War 1945-75, Britain 1939-75 and the Civil Rights Movement. Our intention is that students who enter their GCSE course in Year 9 will sit their first modular exams the following summer. Students will have the opportunity to either complete their course during Year 10 or 11 depending on the level of success during their GCSE.

Key Stage 5 historians are encouraged to diversify their learning by being given the opportunity to follow one course of study that is their own choice. Students will also follow three other topics during their course which include: Russia in Revolution 1881-1924, Mass Media, Social and Cultural change in Britain from 1945 and From Kaiser to Fürher: Germany 1900-45. It is a requirement of the history department that should students wanting to join A Level history that they achieve at least a grade C at GCSE.

History is a relevant subject that often tops employer’s wish lists. Careers which are interesting and diverse that are open to historians include: journalism, politics, civil service, law, medicine, engineering and management positions. If you want to succeed, history offers the opportunities to do it.

Enrichment

The history department is committed to widening pupils experience by offering a variety of different trips across all age groups. Trips are currently offered to the following destinations: Berlin, Ypres, London Dungeon’s, Tower of London, the Imperial War Museum, HMS Belfast, The National Army Museum and the Cabinet War Rooms.

2011/12 will see the launch of Horrible Histories Club which will take place once a week. This will initially be open to Key Stage 3 pupils and will offer a range of different activities that will help to enrich their learning outside of the classroom.

Additional Support

From December, revision sessions will be taking place for Key Stage 4 and attendance is always encouraged as this will help pupils to achieve the best grade they can achieve. Teachers are always available to help support students and can be found either in their history rooms or the office. If any pupil has a specific problem, they should see Mr Abbott