The aims are interest in the subject, historical knowledge and understanding, basic skills (especially in clear and accurate English), enquiring and critical minds, and awareness of economic, political, social and ethical issues.

Topics concentrate on the development of Britain, but include European and World History. In Y7 there are ‘Medieval Realms: Britain 1066 - 1500’ and ‘Islamic Civilisations: 7th to 16th Centuries’; in Y8 ‘The Renaissance’ and ‘The Making of the United Kingdom, 1500 - 1750’, and in Y9 ‘Britain 1750 - 1900’ and ‘The 20th Century World’. There is emphasis on the acquisition of knowledge and the development of historical skills (such as the use of primary evidence and the ability to research independently).

A wide range of resources are used, and visits to historical sites and museums arranged. In 2000-2001 visits were made to Penshurst Place and Hever Castle(Y8), Duxford Air Base (Y9), the Battlefields of the Ypres Salient (Y10), a GCSE Revison Conference (Y11), the National Army Museum Study Day, and a Sixth Form Conference on Nazi Germany. In addition Year 10 students spent 5 days in Berlin, focussing on ‘Cold War’ sites that reinforce their GCSE studies.

For GCSE there is study of World War I, the development of the USA 1919 to 1980, and the Cold War 1945-1990, with particular focus on the Vietnam War.

In the Sixth Form students study the Russian Revolution, Nazi Germany and the Second World War. Coursework focuses on Military Developments from Waterloo to the Somme.

New Gem 2nd Sept 2002