HISTORY

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 (Y8), a play about World War I (Y9), the Battlefields of the Somme (Y10), a GCSE Revison Conference (Y11), the National Army Museum Study Day, two Sixth Form Conferences and the Royal Enginerers Museum (Y13). In addition GCSE and AS students spent six days in Berlin (Ys10-12).

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.

In common with most state schools, History is taught to all pupils during Key School 3, and to those who choose to continue their study of History at GCSE (Key Stage 4) or for A Level.

Key Stage 3

Along with the compulsory topics of the National Curriculum ('English History, 1066-1500' in Year 7, 'English History, 1500-1750' in Year 8, 'Britain 1750-1900' & 'The Twentieth Century World' in Year 9), two optional topics are taught: -

* 'The Rise of Islamic Civilisations from the Sixth to Sixteenth Centuries' (Year 7); 
* 'The Renaissance' (Year 8).

GCSE (Key Stage 4)

As a logical follow up to the topics covered in Years 7 to 9, a Modern World syllabus is followed in Years 10 & 11. At present this is the Edexcel History Syllabus A, with the topics being studied including: 'The War to End Wars, 1914-18', 'Depression & the New Deal: the USA 1929-41', 'A Divided Union? The USA 1942-80', 'Superpower Relations, 1945-90' & 'The Vietnam War c.1963-75'. From September 2001 Coursework Topics will be chosen from a range of Topics on '2Oth Century British History'.

A Level

Since the introduction of the AS & A2 Level examinations (in September 2000), we have adopted the Edexcel syllabus, with the following modules being studied:

Year 12: - 'Russia in Revolution, 1905-17', 'The Age of the Railway, 1830-1914' & 'Life in Hitler's Germany, 1933-39'

Year 13: - 'Europe at War, 1939-45', 'Hitler & the Nazi State: Power & Control, 1933-39' & a Coursework unit on 'The Development of Land Warfare, c.1815-1918'.

These options allow us to concentrate on modern history, with a particular focus on Britain, Germany and Russia in the 19th & 20th Centuries. Studying the development of land warfare allows us to use the excellent resources available in museums in Kent & London, and also 'on the ground' in France & Belgium.

History Department Visits

These play an important part in the study of History at DGSB -

* In 1995 - Year 9 visited an Exhibition on 'Dover in World War 2', and Year 13 visited the Imperial War Museum;
* In 1996 - Year 8 visited Deal Castle, Year 11 visited the Imperial War Museum, Year 12 visited Compiegne & the Museum of London, & Year 13 attended a study day at the National Army Museum and visited the Royal Engineers Museum, Chatham;
* In 1997 - Year 8 visited Deal Castle, Year 11 visited the Battlefields of Ypres, Year 12 visited Compiegne and Museum of London, and Year 13 attended a study day at the National Army Museum, visited the Royal Engineers Museum, Chatham and also visited the Battlefields of the Somme;
* In 1998 - Year 11 attended a GCSE Revision Conference and also visited the Battlefields of Ypres and Year 13 attended a study day at the National Army Museum, visited the Royal Engineers Museum, Chatham and also visited the Battlefields of the Somme;
* In 1999 - Year 11 attended a GCSE Revision Conference and also visited the Battlefields of Ypres and Year 13 attended a study day at the National Army Museum and also visited the Battlefields of the Somme.
* In 2000 - Year 9 attended a play 'Doomed Youth', combining this with a museum visit, some to the Imperial War Museum, some to the National Army Museum, and also visited La Coupole at St. Omer. Year 10 visited the Battlefields of the Somme, Year 11 attended a GCSE Revision Conference and Year 13 attended a study day at the National Army Museum and visited the Royal Engineers Museum. Both Year 12 & Year 13 attended Sixth Form Revision Conferences. A joint History-German visit to Berlin was also organised.
* In 2001 (so far) - Year 7 have spent a day looking at Historic Canterbury and Year 9 have attended a play 'Doomed Youth'. Year 11 attended a GCSE Revision Conference and both Year12 & Year 13 have attended Sixth Form Revision Conferences. A joint History-Art visit to Berlin was also organised.

As can be seen from this list, full use is made of DGSB's geographical position as one of the schools closest to France (on a clear day, France can be seen from the school). The visits are often reported in the 'First Thursday' newsletter, which is also published on this site.