History


To understand the present, we must examine the struggles, transformations, and ideologies that shaped it - through the lens of power, revolution, and the stories of those who fought to define their world.

Course Summary

The aim of the History department at Christ’s is to stimulate a curiosity about the lives of people living in the past and to foster a deep understanding of our nation’s story, values, and the organic growth of our democracy. This is balanced with a global view to help students understand differing perspectives and reflect on world politics. Through this, students learn to form their own opinions about the present while developing the precise skills needed to succeed in history. They will learn to write clearly and analytically, crafting compelling arguments supported by a rich depth of knowledge, while interpreting source material and critically evaluating historians' views.

History is an exciting and enjoyable subject to study at Christ’s. Lessons are varied; many are enquiry-based to allow students to explore historical evidence for themselves, while others use media to help all ability levels learn about the past. High in our priorities is fostering a genuine love for the subject, ensuring that the intellectual curiosity, analytical skills, and passion students develop here are assets they will proudly carry with them into their next steps and far beyond.

 

Years 12 and 13

Russia: From Lenin to Yeltsin 1917-1991

Mao’s China 1949 – 1976

Agitation, protest and Parliamentary Reform in Britain c1780 – 1928

Coursework (Student choice- Russian Revolution and French Revolution are encouraged)

 

Enrichment and Extra-Curricular

Lecture Day on either Russia or China.

Trips to the National Archives including sessions on Chartism and the Suffragettes

 

Exam Board

Edexcel A Level History - Course Code: 9HI0

Specification

Sample papers

 

Reading and Resources

Class specific resources:

Year 12

Communist States in the Twentieth Century (Hodder)

Communist States in the Twentieth Century (Pearson)

My Revision Notes: Russia 1917 – 1991 (Hodder)

My Revision Notes: Mao’s China 1949 – 1976 (Hodder)

 

Year 13

Protest, Agitation and Parliamentary Reform in Britain 1780 – 1928 (Hodder)

Protest, Agitation and Parliamentary Reform in Britain c1780 – 1928 (Pearson)

My revision Notes: Protest, Agitation and Parliamentary Reform in Britain 1780 – 1928 (Hodder)

 

Wider reading

Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang

Soviet Union: A Very Short Introduction by Stephen Lovell 

Podcast: The Rest is History