History

Subject Intent

Studying History will help students to be leaders in their chosen field because history provides students with an understanding of the present day due to their exploration of past events, trends and movements that shape the present and future. This knowledge enables them to make informed decisions and think critically about information to lead bravely in a post-modern era.  

Subject links to HSAEL values

It takes students out of their comfort zone and shows growth by challenging students to confront complex and often uncomfortable truths about human behaviour and societal changes. This critical examination helps them develop resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to engage with difficult topics, fostering personal growth.

It helps students tackle social injustice and demonstrate responsibility by exposing students to the roots and consequences of social injustices, exposes students to civil rights movements internationally, nationally and through time inspiring them to take an active role in addressing current issues. By understanding past struggles for equality and justice, students learn the importance of civic responsibility and ethical action.

It helps promote ambition as the HSAEL History curriculum encourages students to explore the achievements and failures of past figures and societies, motivating them to aspire to make a positive impact. This sense of ambition is cultivated through learning about the possibilities for change and progress driven by determined individuals and movements.

It celebrates diversity (compassion) by highlighting the diverse experiences and contributions of various cultures, ethnicities, and social groups throughout time. This fosters compassion and appreciation for diversity, helping students to understand and respect different perspectives and backgrounds. Many aspects of the HSAEL history curriculum is carefully designed to turn a spotlight on the voices of ordinary people.

It helps students develop independence (excellence) by evoking curiosity leading into independent research, critical thinking, and analytical skills. Students learn to evaluate sources, construct arguments, and present their findings clearly, which promotes intellectual independence and academic excellence. This exposure to the work of historians and wider historiography enables students to work like a historian helping students in becoming very 'culturally literate'

History is particularly important at HSAEL because being an academy situated in an area of high deprivation with a significant proportion of students with English as an Additional Language (EAL) faces unique challenges. The history curriculum can bridge gaps in cultural capital, offering students insights into their own heritage and the wider world. By addressing historical inequalities and fostering a sense of agency, history helps tackle disadvantage and empowers students to overcome barriers to success. Ultimately, history education will provide HSAEL students with the contextual understanding to be prepared for participation in a modern, democratic society, whilst also meaning that they move beyond their own lived experiences and challenge what they know through the rigorous examination of historical evidence.

	Autumn 1	Autumn 2	Spring 1	Spring 2	Summer 1	Summer 2
Year 7	From Rotten Romans to Storming Normans- how much has Britain changed?		Was Medieval England really a time of misery and despair?		Why did so many people die for their religion in 16th century Europe?
	What was Bow like in Londinium?	The Norman Conquest	Was medieval life ruled by violence	Medieval women	The Reformation in Europe	Religion changes in Tudor England
Year 8	Power to the people! 1066-present. What are the similarities and differences between the right of the ordinary people?		Should Britain be proud of it’s imperialist ambitions?		What the people fighting for?
	Challenging authority, royals, civil liberties and equalities	Suffrage in Bow and the East End	Slavery and industrialisation	How is the British Empire remembered?	The French Revolution	What was the main reason for the outbreak of WW1
Year 9	What happened in Russia between 1905 and 1033?		What happened around the world between 1939=1945?		Did people after the wars enjoy their freedom?
	Was the legendary storming of the Winter palace like a ‘routine house arrest’?	How did Russia change after her revolution in 1917?	The outbreak and events of WW2	The Holocaust	Why did Martin Luther ‘have a dream’?	How far was the fight for freedom won post-WW2 in Britain?
Year 10	Edexcel GCSE History Paper 1. Migrants to Britain c 800- present + Notting Hill case study 1948-1970		Edexcel GCSE History Paper 3.  Weimar and Nazi Germany 1918-1933.		Edexcel GCSE History Paper 2. Superpowers and the Cold War 1941-1991.
Year 11	Edexcel GCSE History Paper 2. The Early Elizabethans 1558-1588.	Revision and refinement.				GCSE examinations.
Year 12	Edexcel Paper 1 . USA 1917-1990. The changing political environment.	Edexcel Paper 1 . USA 1917-1990. Society and Culture in Change.	Edexcel Paper 1 . USA 1917-1990. The changing quality of life.	Edexcel Paper 2. India’s Road to Independence. The First World War and its impact on British India.	Edexcel Paper 2. India’s Road to Independence. Changing political relationships in India + consultation and confrontation	Edexcel Paper 2. India’s Road to Independence. + NEA Causes of the Cold War.
Year 13	NEA Causes of the Cold War.	Edexcel Paper 3. Britain: losing and gaining and empire 1763-1914. Aspects in breadth. ‘Ruling the Waves’	Edexcel Paper 3. Britain: losing and gaining and empire 1763-1914. Case study: Loss of the American colonies. Case study: The birth of British Australia. Case study: Canada and the Durham Report.	Edexcel Paper 3. Britain: losing and gaining and empire 1763-1914. Case study: Nearly losing and Empire- the British in India. The Nile Valley.	Revision and refinement.	GCSE examinations

For GCSE, History follows the Edexcel exam board. See the specification here.

For A-Level, History follows the Edexcel exam board. See the specification here.

How does the study of History link to future careers?

1. Critical Thinking and Analysis

Why it’s important: In any job, being able to think critically and analyze information is key.

How history helps: When you study history, you learn to evaluate different sources, understand perspectives, and make reasoned arguments. This is great for problem-solving and making decisions in your career.

2. Research Skills

Why it’s important: Many jobs require you to find and gather information.

How history helps: History teaches you how to research effectively, from finding reliable sources to understanding complex information. This can be useful in fields like journalism, law, marketing, and more.

3. Communication Skills

Why it’s important: Good communication is crucial in nearly every career.

How history helps: Writing essays and discussing historical events improve your ability to communicate clearly and persuasively, both in writing and speaking.

4. Understanding Change

Why it’s important: The world is constantly changing, and understanding why can help you adapt and innovate.

How history helps: By studying how societies, economies, and cultures have changed over time, you gain insight into how and why changes happen. This can be especially useful in careers related to business, government, and technology.

5. Cultural Awareness

Why it’s important: In today’s globalized world, understanding different cultures is important.

How history helps: History exposes you to diverse cultures and perspectives, making you more empathetic and better equipped to work in diverse environments.

6. Context for Current Events

Why it’s important: Understanding current events is important for making informed decisions.

How history helps: Knowing the historical background of current events helps you understand their causes and implications, which is valuable in careers like politics, international relations, and media.

7. Ethical Understanding

Why it’s important: Making ethical decisions is crucial in any career.

How history helps: Learning about past events, including mistakes and successes, helps you understand ethical dilemmas and develop a strong moral compass.

Examples of Careers:

Lawyer: Research, analysis, and argumentation skills are essential.

Journalist: Understanding contexts and communicating effectively are key.

Business Leader: Critical thinking and understanding change help in strategic planning.

Teacher: Conveying information and engaging with diverse perspectives are crucial.

Public Servant: Understanding history aids in policy-making and public communication.

How does History link to the extra-curricular provision at HSAEL?

Trips, enrichment, clubs, CED day

Walking tour of Bow

Imperial War Museum trip

GCSE History Berlin trip