THE ECCLESBOURNE SCHOOL

Key Stage 3   |    Key Stage 4   |    Key Stage 5

Course Overview

The Ecclesbourne History Department believe that history helps our students understand the world we live in. Through exploring challenges faced by those in the past, learners in the History Department are uniquely situated to understand better the issues we face in contemporary society. Our aim is to equip students with the right skills to be active citizens in an ever-changing world. Using what they learn in key stage 4, students are invited to draw parallels with recent events such as the global response to the Coronavirus pandemic; political turbulence in the United States; rivalry between global powers; the rise of political activism and our reassessment of the role and reverence of important figures from our past.

Learners have the opportunity to investigate a swathe of British History through the lens of Medicine in Britain from the Middle Ages to the present day as well as tackling the adverse conditions soldiers faced fighting on the British sector of the Western Front 1914-18. The study of Early Elizabethan England 1558-88 allows students to examine the many challenges Elizabeth faced upon becoming Queen: questions over her legitimacy to rule, challenges from home and abroad, her attempt to settle religious divisions and the various threats to her rule. We will investigate how Elizabeth overcame these challenges to become one of England’s most celebrated monarchs.

The second year of study focuses on Weimar and Nazi Germany 1918-39, a compelling look into the uncomfortably dark pages of human history. We will begin to answer the question of how the Germany recovered from the devastating legacy of the First World War before descending from the progressive democracy of the Weimar period to the horrors of Nazi rule. Our final chapter provides an opportunity to explore the defining crisis of the later 20th Century: superpower relations and the Cold War 1941-91. The tensions between the USA and USSR continue to shape our views on international diplomacy and important lessons can be learned from the creation and aversion of significant crises. The unfolding narrative provides an insight into the pitfalls of national pride, competition and miscommunication.

Assessment Criteria

Where next?

The study of History at GCSE is excellent preparation for A Level study and beyond. History is a subject that unlocks many routes to employment and is highly valued and prized by employers and academics alike. The ability to write critically and cogently in cohesive essays, as well as by analysing material, will support students in a wide variety of qualifications.

If you have any questions or queries relating to the History curriculum please email headofhumanities@ecclesbourne.derbyshire.sch.uk for more information.