Our Vision for History at HEA
The History department’s ambition for the students of Huish Episcopi Academy is to equip our students with the historical skills, knowledge and understanding so that they will not only become excellent young historians who achieve impressive outcomes but also to inspire a passion for the subject which will motivate them to pursue this academic discipline into Further and Higher Education.
Our intention is also to enable our young people to be able to develop their sense of identity and heritage on a local, national and international level and to develop the skills, understanding and empathy needed to be able to participate positively in our increasingly diverse community, showing tolerance, value and respect to the heritage and histories of others.
Key Themes and Concepts
- Class systems
- Crime and punishments
- Democracy
- Empire
- Protest
- Succession
- Warfare
- Beliefs and religion
- Role of women
- Innovation
- Knowledge
- Medicine
- Migration
- Trade
Curriculum Overview
Year 7
| Year 7 | |
| Autumn 1 |
Empires East and West Students will learn about the known world at the turn of the first millennium. Students will know the key features of Chinese, Islamic and European empires. Students will be able to describe similarities and differences between these European and Asian Empires. |
| Autumn 2 |
Norman Conquest and Control Students will learn about Anglo-Saxon Britain and how it changed as a result of the Norman invasion in 1066. Students will know why William was able to win at the Battle of Hastings and how he was able to gain control of England. Students will be able to use sources to infer meaning and be able to explain why changes were made in Norman England. |
| Spring 1 |
Medieval Religion Students will learn about the role of the Church in Medieval England at a local and national level and how it influenced society, medicine and politics. Students will also study the treatment of Jews in England. Students will be able to explain why the Church had such a significant role in the lives of British people. |
| Spring 2 |
Challenges to Medieval Monarchs Students will learn about how monarchs in the medieval period were challenged by their relationship with the Church, dynastic relationships, events such as the Black Death, the nobility and peasantry. Students will study a wide range of monarchs to assess how successfully they dealt with the challenges. Students will be able to explain similarity and differences between the challenges monarchs faced, as well as using sources and their provenance to make inferences. |
| Summer 1 |
Mali Empire Students will learn about the Mali Empire under the leadership of Mansa Musa. Students will know how the Mali Empire gained wealth and influenced the region and developed knowledge. Students will use sources to infer meaning and be able to explain the impact of Mansa Musa on the legacy of the Mali Empire. |
| Summer 2 |
The Renaissance Students will learn about the ‘re-birth’ of old scientific practices and its impact on European development. Students will learn about the implications of new technologies on architecture, medicine and society. Students will be able to explain the importance of new ideas on society. |
Year 8
| Year 8 | |
| Autumn 1 |
The Reformation Students will learn about the causes, events and consequences of the Reformation in England. Students will know the main ideas of Martin Luther, the motivations of King Henry VIII and the reactions of the English public. Students will be able to explain the causal factors which motivated King Henry VIII to break with Rome in 1534. |
| Autumn 2 | Students will learn about the challenges faced by Elizabeth I during her reign. Students will know the main ways Elizabeth tackled religious and social problems, and how successful Elizabethan explorers were. Students will be able to explain how well Elizabeth dealt with the challenges she faced and how far Elizabethan England was a ‘golden age’. |
| Spring 1 | Students will learn about the long-term and short-term causes of the English Civil War. Students will know the course of the Civil War, the consequences of Charles I’s execution and the challenges faced by England as a republic after his death. Students will be able to explain the importance of the English Civil War. |
| Spring 2 | Students will learn about England’s role in the transatlantic slave trade. Students will know why England entered the trade, key features of how the slave trade worked and the factors that helped lead to the abolition of the trade. Students will be able to explain some of the experiences of the enslaved. |
| Summer 1 | Students will learn about the causes, key features and impacts of the Industrial Revolution. Students will know about developments in transport, the Victorian class system and the roles of children and women during the Industrial Revolution. Students will be able to explain how much progress was made during the Industrial Revolution. |
| Summer 2 | Students will learn the casual factors that led to the expansion of Britain’s empire. Students will know Britain’s naval supremacy helped her in her imperial interests, the key events of Britain’s colonisation of India and Britain’s role in the ‘scramble for Africa.’ Students will be able to explain the legacy of the British Empire. |
Year 9
| Year 9 | |
| Autumn 1 |
The First World War Students will learn about the long and short-term causes of WW1. Students will know how nationalism, imperialism, militarism and alliances made war likely and how an assassination caused the outbreak of war in 1914. Students will be able to analyse historical sources and historians’ interpretations to identify and evaluate the view of the cause of the war. |
| Autumn 2 |
Consequences of War This topic explores how the First World War shaped nations and people’s lives. Students will examine Germany’s struggles after the war, Russia’s revolutions in 1917, and the wider consequences of the conflict. They will also study the impact on British women, the Suffragette movement, and how women gained the vote in 1918. By the end, students will evaluate whether the war was a “locomotive of history,” driving major change, or if it simply intensified existing problems. |
| Spring 1 |
Nazi Germany Students will learn about the rise of the Nazi Party, life in Nazi Germany and the Second World War and the Holocaust. Students will know how and why life changed for different social groups and why the Nazis wanted to conquer lands in Eastern Europe. Students will be able to reach supported inferences from a range of primary sources as well as evaluate the usefulness of those sources. |
| Spring 2 |
Consequences of WW2 Students learn about the development of international relations after WW2 and the consequences for Germany. Students will know why the USA and USSR engaged in a Cold War and why Germany became a divided country. Students will be able to analyse the messages of political cartoons and explain the use of the cartoon for a historical enquiry. |
| Summer 1 |
Post-war Britain Students will learn about the social developments in Britain after WW2. Students will know how and why British society became more diverse and how the lives of women changed. Students will be able to identify and explain similarities and differences in British society before and after WW2. |
| Summer 2 |
The Vietnam War Students will learn about the relevance of the Vietnam War and its relevance to the Cold War. Students will know how WW2 impacted Vietnam and the reasons why the USA went to war in Vietnam. Students will be able to evaluate how successfully the US achieved their political and military ambitions in Vietnam. |
Year 10
| Year 10 | |
| Autumn 1 |
Medicine in Britain Students will learn about medicine in the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Industrial Britain. Students will know features of ideas about causes, attempts at treatment and prevention during these periods. Students will be able to explain why progress happened or did not happen during these periods. |
| Autumn 2 |
Medicine in Britain Students will learn about medicine in Industrial and Modern Britain. Students will know features of ideas about causes, attempts at treatment and prevention during these periods. Students will be able to explain why progress happened or did not happen during these periods. |
| Spring 1 |
Medicine on the Western Front 1914-1918 Students will learn about medicine in the trenches during WW1. Students will know about the challenges facing medics due to the environment of the trenches and due to the development of warfare. Students will be able to evaluate primary sources and understand how to carry out the investigative work of the historian. Weimar and Nazi Germany Students will learn about the challenges facing the Weimar Republic. Students will know how the Weimar Republic struggled due to defeat in WW1, political and economic crises. Students will be able to explain how events challenged the authority and reputation of the new Weimar government. |
| Spring 2 |
Weimar and Nazi Germany Students will learn about the fall of Weimar democracy and the rise of the Nazis. Students will know how international events created an opportunity which the Nazis were able to exploit and about the tactics that they used. Students will be able to explain how the Nazis came to power and will be able to evaluate historical sources and historians’ interpretations about this issue. |
| Summer 1 |
Weimar and Nazi Germany Students will learn about life in Nazi Germany. Students will know how different social groups were impacted by the Nazi dictatorship and in which ways people supported or attempted to oppose Nazi leadership. Students will be able to explain the actions of the Nazis and will be able to evaluate historical sources and historians’ interpretations about the impacts of Nazi policies. |
| Summer 2 |
Consolidation and Revision Students will consolidate their learning of Year 10 content. Students will have a reinforced understanding of the Paper 1 and Paper 3 examinations. Students will be able to perform well in the end of year mock examinations. |
Year 11
| Year 11 | |
| Autumn 1 |
The Cold War Students will learn about the origins and crisis years of the Cold War. Students will know how and why the Cold War began and the consequences of global events for increasing tensions between the superpowers. Students will be able to explain the impacts of events on international relations and will be able to narrate a chain of events during the Cold War. |
| Autumn 2 |
The Cold War Students will learn about the ending of the Cold War. Students will know how and why Cold War tensions declined and the fall of the Soviet Union. Students will be able to explain the impacts of events on international relations and will be able to narrate a chain of events during the Cold War. Early Elizabethan England Students will learn about the domestic and international challenges Elizabeth faces when she becomes Queen of England and how she attempts to deal with them. Students will be able to assess the importance of these challenges and explain why Elizabeth implemented new policies. |
| Spring 1 |
Early Elizabethan England Students will learn about the plots against Elizabeth, rivalry with Spain and England’s involvement in the Netherlands to understand how Elizabeth faced diplomatic and religious challenges. Students will also learn about Elizabethan society, focusing on the disparity between the rich and poor. Students will be able to explain why Elizabeth’s reign was plagued with challenges and also why society fell into the rigid hierarchy. |
| Spring 2 |
Consolidation and Revision Students will consolidate their learning of Year 10 and Year 11 content. Students will have a reinforced understanding of the three examination papers. Students will be able to perform well in the GCSE History final exams. |
| Summer 1 | |
| Summer 2 | |
Year 12
| Year 12 | |
| Autumn 1 |
Democracy and Dictatorships in Germany 1919-1963 Students will learn about the strengths and weaknesses of the Weimar Republic. Students will know about the actions of individuals and groups and how they contributed to the weakness of German democracy. Students will be able to apply their knowledge to evaluate the significance of events in a short-essay-style exam question. Churchill 1930-1951 Students will learn why Winston Churchill was out of office in the 1930s, focusing on his attitudes to India, the abdication and German re-armament. Students will also examine why he was appointed as Prime Minister. Students will evaluate sources to prepare for the 30 mark source question. |
| Autumn 2 |
Democracy and Dictatorships in Germany 1919-1963 Students will learn about the decline of Weimar Democracy, the rise of the Nazi Party and Nazi domestic and foreign policy. Students will learn about the actions of individuals and groups who were significant in the course of German history and the march towards WW2. Students will be able to apply their knowledge to evaluate the significance of events in a long-essay style exam question. Churchill 1930-1951 Students will study Churchill’s role as the wartime leader, including the relationship with his generals and other leaders in the Grand Alliance, examining whether Churchill deserves his legacy. Students will look at the end of the war, the 1945 election and Churchill’s return to leadership. Students will continue to evaluate sources to answer the 30 mark source question. |
| Spring 1 |
Democracy and Dictatorships in Germany 1919-1963 Students will learn about the experiences of German people during the war. Students will know how and why the war resulted in Nazi policies becoming increasingly extreme and how and why the Nazis persecuted minority social groups. Students will be able to apply their knowledge to evaluate significance in short and long essay-style exam questions. |
| Spring 2 |
Democracy and Dictatorships in Nazi Germany Britain 1951-1997 Students will study the key elections of this period, focusing on the successes and failures of the government both domestically and internationally, so that students can explain why they won or lost the next election. Students will examine British society in the 1950s and 1960s to examine the merits of the post-war consensus. Students will be able to apply their knowledge to evaluate significance in the longer essay-style exam questions. |
| Summer 1 |
Democracy and Dictatorships in Nazi Germany Britain Students will study the key elections of this period, focusing on the successes and failures of the government both domestically and internationally, so that students can explain why they won or lost the next election. Students will examine British society in the 1970s and 1980s to understand the impact of Thatcher’s governments and the end of the post-war consensus. Students will be able to apply their knowledge to evaluate significance in the longer essay-style exam questions. NEA Coursework Unit Students will learn about the requirements of the NEA and the 3 Assessment Objectives. Students will know how to apply the mark scheme and recognise the components of top-level answers. Students will be able to create their own NEA questions and carry out academic research. |
| Summer 2 |
Democracy and Dictatorships in Nazi Germany Britain Students will study the downfall of the Thatcher administration and the newly revived Labour Party in the 1990s, culminating in a study on the 1997 election. Students will also examine Britain’s role on the international stage from 1950-1997 to assess whether Britain’s role had changed significantly in 50 years. Students will be able to apply their knowledge to evaluate significance in the longer essay style exam questions. NEA Coursework Unit Students will learn how to evaluate historical interpretations. Students will know how to use their own knowledge and historical sources to critically evaluate the arguments of academic scholars. Students will be able to create a detailed plan for their NEA. |
Year 13
| Year 13 | |
| Autumn 1 |
Popular Culture and the Witchcraze Students will learn about Early Modern society, beliefs and cultural traditions. Students will know why belief in magic and witchcraft existed. Students will be able to evaluate historical interpretations about belief in witches. Britain - Revision |
| Autumn 2 |
Popular Culture and the Witchcraze Students will learn about the reasons for the rise and fall of the witchcraze and why the persecuted were targeted. Students will know how religious change such as the Reformation led to increased social tensions and the targeting of women. Students will be able to create historical analyses of developments across geographical locations during the 17th and 18th centuries. Democracy and Dictatorships in Germany – Consolidation and Revision Students will consolidate their learning of Year 12 content. Students will have a reinforced understanding of the examination paper. Students will be able to perform well in the A Level History final exam. Britain - Consolidation and Revision Students will consolidate their learning of Year 12 content. Students will have a reinforced understanding of the examination paper. Students will be able to perform well in the A Level History final exam. |
| Spring 1 |
Popular Culture and the Witchcraze Students will learn about the responses of the authorities to the witchcraze. Students will know how the culture of the elite and the scientific revolution impacted on the attitudes of the authorities. Students will be able to create historical analyses of developments across geographical locations during the 17th and 18th centuries. Democracy and Dictatorships in Germany – Consolidation and Revision Students will consolidate their learning of Year 12 content. Students will have a reinforced understanding of the examination paper. Students will be able to perform well in the A Level History final exam. Britain - Consolidation and Revision Students will consolidate their learning of Year 12 content. Students will have a reinforced understanding of the examination paper. Students will be able to perform well in the A Level History final exam. |
| Spring 2 |
Popular Culture and the Witchcraze Students will learn about the witchcraze in 3 case studies in detail. Students will know how and why there were witchcrazes in southern Germany, East Anglia and Salem. Students will be able to compare and contrast the features of the case studies and explain the rise and fall of these events. Democracy and Dictatorships in Germany – Consolidation and Revision Students will consolidate their learning of Year 12 content. Students will have a reinforced understanding of the examination paper. Students will be able to perform well in the A Level History final exam. Britain - Consolidation and Revision Students will consolidate their learning of Year 12 content. Students will have a reinforced understanding of the examination paper. Students will be able to perform well in the A Level History final exam. |
| Summer 1 |
Popular Culture and the Witchcraze - Consolidation and Revision Students will consolidate their learning of Year 13 content. Students will have a reinforced understanding of the examination paper. Students will be able to perform well in the A Level History final exam. Democracy and Dictatorships in Germany – Consolidation and Revision Students will consolidate their learning of Year 12 content. Students will have a reinforced understanding of the examination paper. Students will be able to perform well in the A Level History final exam. Britain - Consolidation and Revision Students will consolidate their learning of Year 12 content. Students will have a reinforced understanding of the examination paper. Students will be able to perform well in the A Level History final exam. |
| Summer 2 | |
Assessment
| Autumn Term | Spring Term | Summer Term | |
| Year 7 | Empires East and West | Mid-Year Assessment | End of Year Assessment |
| Year 8 | The Reformation | Mid-Year Assessment | End of Year Assessment |
| Year 9 | Causes of World War One | Mid-Year Assessment | End of Year Assessment |
| Year 10 | Paper 1: Medicine | Paper 1: Medicine | Paper 3 Germany |
| Year 11 |
Paper 1: Medicine Paper 2: Cold War Paper 3: Germany |
Paper 1: Medicine Paper 2: Cold War and Elizabeth Paper 3: Germany |
Paper :1 Medicine Paper 2: Cold War and Elizabeth Paper 3: Germany |
| Year 12 |
Paper 1: Britain - Churchill component Paper 2: Germany - 1919-1934 |
Paper 1: Britain Paper 2: Germany |
Paper 1: Britain Paper 2: Germany |
| Year 13 |
Paper 1: Britain Paper 2: Germany |
Paper 1: Britain Paper 2: Germany Paper 3: Witchcraze |
Paper 1: Britain Paper 2: Germany Paper 3: Witchcraze |
Exam Board Link(s)
Extracurricular Opportunities
All GCSE History and A Level students are offered the opportunity to go on a 3-night residential trip to Berlin, Germany. This trip enriches in-class learning of Weimar and Nazi Germany and Cold War topics.
Careers
Where can History qualifications take you?
- Historian
- Museum and Heritage sectors
- Archaeologist
- Lawyer
- Politician
- Teacher
- Archivist
Learning Beyond the Curriculum
Please visit the library to see the range of books that we have which will support and enrich your learning.
