History

In your History lessons you will learn to be a critical thinker, write well and understand the world better. 

In Year 7 History is studied chronologically and thematically with an emphasis on developing skills that will help all students achieve now and in later life. The overall theme in Year 7 is ‘The Creation of Modern Britain’. Year 7 students examine events of 1066 and how this changed Britain forever. Aspects of medieval life are studied before students examine the causes and effects of the Black Death, the Islamic world during this period and finish off by looking at the establishment of the infamous Tudors and Stuarts. In addition They examine the changes and continuity in Britain during the 17th century with a focus on the Civil War.

In Year 8 students study the Making of the Modern World but with an eye on "whether HIStory [sic] is written by the winners".  Furthermore they go on to study how Britain became part of a global society and the challenges this created. Depth studies on World War One and World War Two immerse pupils in the key features of these conflicts. Students also investigate and debate controversial history topics such as the horrors of the enslavement of Africans, the dropping of the atomic bomb and the Holocaust.

Students in Year 9 who have chosen GCSE History will begin a new three year course. The topics are: Medicine through Time; Early Elizabethan England; Germany 1919-39 and Superpower relations.  We start with an overview of the 20th Century before embarking on the thematic study on Medicine and depth study of the British Sector on the Western Front.

In Year 10 and 11 GCSE History students continue their Edexcel GCSE. This includes the remaining topics of Early Elizabethan England, Germany 1919-1939 and Superpower relations 1941-91. Students are assessed in a variety of ways: through analysis of sources, knowledge recall and extended writing.  We balance teaching of knowledge needed with practice of skills for the different requirements of the GCSE.

Harriet Ward is the Head of History. Harriet studied History at the University of Sussex, where she also completed her PGCE in Secondary History. She specialises in 20th century European history, but also has a passion for Elizabeth I. Her dissertation was about the education system in post-revolutionary Russia. Recently, she has collaborated with Brighton Museum to design new visits suitable for secondary schools. She has also worked with history departments across the city on a decolonisation project. 

Ryan Duffen is a History teacher.

Dan Flower studied History at the University of Newcastle and completed his PGCE at the University of Sussex eleven years ago. He has a real passion for modern History, especially that of Northern Ireland and has developed A-Level coursework on the 'Troubles' in the past. He has worked alongside the charity 'Facing History and Ourselves' in the past to increase knowledge and understanding of diversity in the classroom.

Sandra Knights is qualified with a BA in History & English from the University of Brighton. She is interested in intervention and all things teaching and learning. She is currently working on promoting the sharing of excellence and collaboration between teachers using CPD and social media.

Jessica Pringle first studied History at Deakin University in Australia before emigrating to the United Kingdom, completing her BA in History with the Open University while working full time in education. She is particularly interested in social history, with a real passion for the stories of everyday people and helping students understand how the experiences of ordinary people have shaped the world around them today. She loves sharing her enthusiasm for History with students and helping them develop curiosity, confidence and critical thinking skills.

Outside the classroom the history department has run trips to Berlin, World War One sights in Belgium, The Weald and Downland Open Air Museum and visits to London.