History inspires curiosity about the past and helps students understand how historical events have shaped the modern world. Through the study of different periods, people and perspectives, students learn to investigate evidence, think critically and make informed judgements.

Our experienced team delivers a diverse curriculum through enquiry-based learning, discussion, debate and the use of a wide range of primary and secondary sources, including newspapers, photographs and artefacts. Students are encouraged to make connections between the past and present, explore real historical questions and consider the impact of events on different societies and communities.

A focus on local history is embedded throughout the curriculum, with each unit exploring Northampton’s place within the wider historical context. Through regular reflection and feedback, students develop independence, resilience and a growth mindset.

The History department aims to provide a stimulating and rewarding experience that develops thoughtful historians, confident communicators and independent learners.

Our key objectives are to:

• Explore significant historical events, people and societies from Britain and around the world.
• Develop an understanding of how historical events have shaped communities and lives across time.
• Encourage students to draw links between the past and the world today.
• Build the skills of critical thinking, analysis, evaluation, communication and problem-solving.

We believe History is a vital subject because it helps students understand the world they live in, how it has developed over time, and how to evaluate evidence, construct arguments and make informed decisions about the future.

Year 7

In History, Year 7 will be taking a broad journey through almost 700 years of British History. Starting with what England was like before the Norman Conquest and ending with the Stuart dynasty. Students will look at key moments and events, as well as what life was like for the ordinary man, woman and child. Units will be as follows:

• Introduction to historical skills
• The Romans
• The Norman Conquest
• Life in Medieval England
• The Tudors
• The Stuarts

Year 8

In History, Year 8 will be continuing the broad journey through almost 500 years of British History. Students will look at the impact of a period of rapid change and revolution, the Empire and the consequences of Imperialism, the transatlantic slave trade, how one bullet resulted in a World War and the impact of the Russian Revolution. Units will be as follows:

• The British Empire
• Slavery
• The Industrial Revolution
• World War One
• The Inter-War Years

Year 9

In History this year, the aim is to explore why attempts to maintain peace following World War 1 failed, and how we entered a century of conflict looking at the impact of the Second World War and The Cold War. Students will also explore the social and moral aspects of the Holocaust and Civil Rights movements. Students will also look at how the War on Terror developed, looking at how warfare has changed over time. Units will be as follows:

• Outbreak of the Second World War
• Holocaust and Genocide
• Civil Rights
• 20^th and 21^st Century Conflict
• Key events of the Twentieth Century

GCSE

If you choose to study History at GCSE, you will follow the Edexcel GCSE History (9–1) specification. The course is assessed across four engaging and diverse topics.

• In Year 10, students begin with Medicine Through Time, which forms 30% of the final qualification, before moving on to The Cold War, a 20% component of Paper 2.
• In Year 11, the focus shifts to Weimar and Nazi Germany, 1918–1939, which accounts for 30% of the course, followed by Early Elizabethan England, worth the remaining 20%.

Together, these topics provide students with the opportunity to explore a wide range of historical themes, including change and continuity, conflict and international relations, political developments, and the experiences of individuals and societies over time.

Medicine through Time 1250- present

As part of a thematic depth study, students will study how medicine and public health developed in Britain over four distinct periods (The Middle Ages, Renaissance, Industrial Revolution and Modern Age). It will consider how far medicine progress within and across these periods, whilst looking at the impact of medical development and the factors that aided or hindered medical progress. 
Topic will include;  

• The Middle Ages: The Black Death, Surgery, The Four Humours and role the Church
• The Renaissance: Vesalius, The Royal Society, William Harvey and the Reformation
• The Industrial Revolution: Changes in Surgery, The Germ Theory and Vaccinations
• The Modern Age: The NHS, DNA, Penicillin and Modern Treatment & Surgery
• Case study: Injuries sustained during WW1 and the struggles that medics on the front line faced whilst trying to treat the injured servicemen.

 

Superpower Relations and the Cold War 1945-1991

As part of the depth study, students will study how the world was nearly on the brink of a nuclear war throughout the period 1945-1991. It will focus on how two superpowers aimed to dominate Europe, aiming to spread their ideological beliefs, as well as develop their nuclear weapons to try and ensure a period of tension.

Weimar and Nazi Germany, 1918-1939

As part of a modern depth student, students look at Germany in the aftermath of the First World War where it became a democracy for the first time in its history under the Weimar Republic, and the ensuring struggled this new government had in its first decade. We also ask students to consider the rise of Hitler and the Nazi Party from its origins in Munich 1919 to Hitler become the Fuhrer of Germany in 1934. Lastly, students will look at life under Nazi rule until the declaration of war in 1939, which a specific focus on Nazi methods of control and life for women, children, workers and minorities. 
Topic will include;  

• The Weimar Republic: The Treaty of Versailles, Ruhr Crisis, Hyperinflation and the Stresemann Era
• The rise of the Nazis: The NSDAP, Munich Putsch and how did Hitler become Chancellor then Fuhrer
• The Nazi dictatorship: Propaganda, Censorship, Fear and Terror
• Life in Nazi Germany: Education, the role of women, persecution of Jews and how did Germans benefit under Nazi rule

Early Elizabethan England 1558-1603

As part of the British depth study, this unit will focus on the struggles Elizabeth I faced when she became Queen in 1558. The prejudice against her being female, and the idea that she was not a legitimate heir to the throne. It will focus on her ability to successfully defeat the most powerful country in Europe at the time, Spain, as well as look at how she improved life for the poor people.

A Level

In years 12 and 13 we follow the Edexcel route E Communist States in the Twentieth Century course. This route explores the rise, development and impact of communist governments in Russia and China, the changing nature of warfare and its influence on Britain and provides students with the opportunity to undertake independent historical research through a coursework investigation. Students develop a strong understanding of political power, ideology, conflict and change over time, alongside valuable skills in analysis, evaluation, research and communication.

• Paper 1: Russia, 1917–91: From Lenin to Yeltsin Students examine the creation and evolution of the Soviet Union, including the leadership of Lenin, Stalin, Khrushchev, Brezhnev and Gorbachev. The course explores political control, economic change, social developments and the eventual collapse of communism in 1991.
• Paper 2: Mao’s China, 1949–76 Students study the establishment of communist rule in China and Mao Zedong's attempts to transform the country. Topics include political control, economic reforms, the Great Leap Forward, the Cultural Revolution and the impact of communist policies on Chinese society
• Paper 3: The British Experience of Warfare, c1790–1918 This thematic study investigates how warfare changed over more than a century and the effects these changes had on Britain. Students explore developments in military organisation, technology, strategy and recruitment, as well as the impact of warfare on government, the economy and society from the Napoleonic Wars through to the First World War.
• Coursework (Non-Examined Assessment) Students complete an independently researched historical investigation of approximately 3,000–4,000 words. This allows them to explore a topic of interest, analyse differing historical interpretations, evaluate evidence and develop the skills of independent research, critical thinking and academic writing.

 

Where can history take you?

History is a highly respected and versatile subject that equips students with a wide range of transferable skills, including research, critical analysis, evidence evaluation, communication and problem-solving. These skills are highly valued by universities and employers and provide an excellent foundation for a variety of academic and professional pathways.

Many students progress to higher education courses such as History, Law, Politics, International Relations, Journalism, Archaeology, Education and other humanities and social science disciplines. History also supports careers in:

• Law and the legal profession
• Politics and public service
• Teaching and education
• Journalism and media
• Business and management
• The Civil Service and government
• Heritage, museums and archaeology
• Marketing, public relations and communications

Studying History develops a deeper understanding of people, societies and cultures, enabling students to appreciate how past events continue to shape the modern world. It encourages learners to analyse complex information, distinguish between fact and opinion, evaluate competing interpretations and construct well-supported arguments.

Students also gain confidence in presenting their ideas clearly and persuasively through essays, reports, presentations and debate. These skills are invaluable across a wide range of professions and make History an excellent preparation not only for history-related careers, but for any field that values analytical thinking, effective communication and informed decision-making.

Above all, History helps students become knowledgeable, reflective and independent thinkers who are well prepared for higher education, employment and life beyond school