History

Head Of Department: Mr R Pathak
Contact Details: rp@felsted.org  
Instagram: @Felsted_History
Exam Board: Edexcel   www.edexcel.com
Syllabus Code: 1HI0 
 

Why should I study History?
History, is well taught by experienced teachers who are passionate about their subject, which always helps to make for interesting and thought provoking lessons. Lessons are varied and the learning that takes place in the classroom is supported by a rang of field trips.

One of the endless fascinations of the subject is the sheer variety of human behaviour and experience encompassed in the study of History, from the terrible crimes of totalitarian dictators like Hitler to the statesmanlike role of Gorbachev in acting to bring the Cold War to an end. The experiences of ordinary people are not neglected and pupils are encouraged to delve into family history whilst studying many 20th century history topics. Furthermore, much of the history studied, such as the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan or the experiences of the Windrush generation, is of direct relevance to what is happening in the world today and this helps to give the subject a real sense of immediacy.

Expectations of independent study
One of the ‘myths’ about History is that there is a constant stream of long essays to be completed, which is very much not the case. However, pupils are challenged through homework tasks to think carefully about the topics they are studying, to learn how to write fluently and to read around the subject; a skill that will serve pupils well in the Sixth Form and beyond.   

To foster independent learning, we use a number of initiatives within the History Department such as a programme of wider reading and a weekly History Society meeting which provides a valuable opportunity for ‘digging deeper’.

 

What do the pupils say?
“I enjoy the quizzes we do in class to check that we all understand a topic.”
“The lessons are interesting and involve everyone in the class. We have done many different things to make learning more engaging.” 
“The track sheets we do with our targets from the last essay are helpful, as it is easy
to reference what we need to improve on when we write the next one.”

What skills will I develop by studying this subject?
History graduates are to be found in the upper reaches of business, the civil service and in particular, the legal profession. This is because the study of History trains pupils to weigh evidence, assimilate information and make judgments about it, and to express themselves in an articulate and coherent way; these are all intellectual qualities which are highly prized in today’s job market!
 

Assessment:
There are 3 modules as follows:
Unit 1  30%  
Migrants in Britain, c800–present and Notting Hill, c1948–c1970.  
Unit 2  40%  
British Depth Study on Early Elizabethan England 1558-88 and a Period Study on Superpower relations and the  Cold War, 1941-91  
Unit 3  30%  
Weimar and Nazi Germany,  1918-39  

The teaching is outstanding and the support is constant.Hugo and Claudia,
Year 11 pupils