Key Stage 3
The department believes that each student should have a good grasp of the broad sweep of history even if they do not take the subject on to GCSE. Therefore its Key Stage 3 course covers British history from 1066 to 1945, with studies of Mughal India, the European Renaissance and Reformation, eighteenth and nineteenth century imperialism, twentieth century European dictators, and the World Wars also included.
The department organises at least one trip per year group per year:
Year 7 – Battle and Pevensey, as part of their study of the Norman Conquest
Year 8 – Museum of London and Penshurst Place, Kent, as part of their study of the Tudors and Stuarts
Year 9 – Cabinet War Rooms, as part of the study of the Second World War
Students will use and develop their skills of note-taking, source evaluation, discussion, debate and essay-writing. There are many opportunities for independent research, group work, the use of ICT, debate (including balloon debates), project work, and role play.
‘I love the creativity and the group work. Our teacher is so encouraging and makes learning so much fun.' Year 9 student
‘I really like doing History at FHS as the teachers are wonderful and are really good. During History lessons you can learn many things. We do fun stuff.' Year 9 student
‘History is one of my favourite subjects at Francis Holland because it involves studying very interesting world-changing events like the Renaissance and the World Wars, as well as fun events like balloon debates and school trips to museums and historical places.' Year 9 student
GCSE
At FHS, around 75% of students choose to continue their study of history on to GCSE level. The course again provides breadth and depth. It includes a study of medicine through time, from the ancient period to the twentieth century, a depth study of the rise and impact of the Nazis in Germany, and a coursework unit on Civil Rights in the USA.
The department takes students on at least one trip a year:
Year 10 – the Old Operating Theatre Museum, the Hunterian Museum, and a residential trip to the Somme and Ypres (with the English Department)
Year 11 - the Holocaust Exhibition at the Imperial War Museum
Students continue to develop their knowledge, understanding and critical skills, selecting material to answer questions and write convincing essays, and evaluating and using source material with discretion.
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AS and A level
The course provides a scholarly and detailed study of history from the eleventh century, through early modern and modern history to c1950. It includes a study of the Norman Conquest and the Angevins, and the Henrician Reformation in the Lower VI, followed by an exploration of nineteenth century British and European history and the USA in the twentieth century. This provides the breadth we know is valued by universities and expected of applicants. It avoids the narrow focus on the twentieth century, while providing analytical depth in each key period.
Students refine their critical skills of analysis and the use of source material, developing evidence-based argument and forming substantiated historical judgements. They undertake independent research and are guided on how to select reading material and how to study at an advanced level. In this way they are well prepared for university study.
The department takes the Lower VI to Battle and Pevensey as part of their study of the Norman Conquest.