The intention of the History curriculum at Weald of Kent Grammar School is to develop a passion for the past amongst our students. We want our students to understand people and societies which contrast to their own, whilst also helping them to understand their own national, local and personal identity. We believe the study of history contributes to our students moral understanding and is essential for good citizenship. It is a subject which equips the individual with a variety of transferable skills, and helps to prepare our young people for the next stage in their lives.   

Course content 

Key Stage 3 

In KS3, the students explore a wide-range of themes across time and countries. In Year 7, the pupils looking at the making of Britain from the arrival of the Romans to the British Empire and the Industrial Revolution. In Year 8, the pupils explore revolutions and the fight for Civil Rights across the world ranging from the Civil Rights Movement in America to the Russian Revolution. In Year 9, the students look at modern warfare in the 20th Century, moving chronologically from the causes of World War 1 all the way to 9/11 America terrorism attacks. 

  

Key Stage 4 

In KS4, the students follow the AQA modules. They start with America 1920-1973 and the Cold War  in Year 10, moving onto the history of medicine and a depth study of Elizabeth I in Year 11.  

  

Key Stage 5 

In KS5, the students continue with AQA and look at The Tudors and Germany 1918 to 1945. They complete a coursework project looking at Russia 1856-1964. 

 For me, studying History at Weald has been both engaging and pivotal in developing evaluative techniques and comprehension. The range of topics we cover across year 7 to year 13, from the Tudors to the Roman empire, helps to develop a broad understanding of local and world-wide events and their consequences, societies, and cultures that have shaped today.

Group and individual projects at Weald, such as model-castle-making, debates in class or evaluating sources, help to inspire creativity and build critical arguments; school trips such as Berlin in year 13 provide an appreciation for the reality of what we learn in lessons. Throughout my time at school, History has outshined as the most captivating and perceptive subject, inspiring me to study it at university; I believe the way Weald teaches and elates this experience has been key in my love for the discipline.

Year 13 student

 

Extra-curricular 

  

• Year 13 trip to Berlin 

• Year 9 Trip to Imperial War Museum 

• 2 pupils in Year 12 will be chosen to be Holocaust Ambassadors and visit Auschwitz-Birkenau 

• Year 10/11 trip to the Elizabeth historic environment if feasible (different place every year) 

• History interventions for Year 11 pupils