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History

Gable Hall School History Department:

History, at Gable Hall School, is not merely a study of the past; it's a dynamic exploration that empowers students with knowledge, empathy, and understanding to shape a meaningful future.

Intent: The History curriculum is meticulously designed to ensure that every student:

Explores and learns from diverse historical narratives, encompassing local history, the rich heritage of the UK and its communities, and the broader global context.
Gains profound insights into key historical events and influential figures, recognising their integral role in shaping the present.
Develops critical thinking, empathy, and the ability to pose thoughtful questions, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities of human lives and societal relationships.
Is inspired to take proactive steps for positive change, recognising the impact of historical perspectives on contemporary challenges.

Implementation: Our dedicated teachers employ innovative strategies:

Nurturing a deep understanding of local history, connecting students with their community's background to provide insights into the past and future.
Promoting the use of historically grounded vocabulary for effective, unbiased communication.
Structuring a curriculum that unfolds chronologically, guiding students from ancient times to the present, fostering a coherent historical narrative.
Teaching the art of utilising diverse sources to comprehend the profound impact of individuals' lives on the nation's development.
Offering opportunities for students to explore historical themes, encouraging analytical thinking and the creation of structured narratives.

Impact: Students at Gable Hall School will:

Attain not only detailed historical knowledge but also the essential skills to think critically and act as historians.
Possess cultural capital, including skills, knowledge, norms, and values, enabling them to be well-informed, open-minded, and responsible citizens.
Be equipped with the ability to draw insights from history to positively shape the future.

Fostering Lifelong Curiosity: The History Department's Vision

Within the heart of Gable Hall lies the History Department, a bedrock of experience, stability, and achievement. Our aim transcends the mere pursuit of examination triumph; we endeavour to shape not just scholars, but lifelong learners and passionate advocates of history.

Guiding Principles

Our department is more than a conveyor belt of facts; it's a torchbearer, illuminating the stories and lessons of bygone eras. Through this illumination, we aspire to ignite personal responsibility within every student, compelling them to own their learning journey. A strong foundation of self-discipline and a culture of purposeful engagement in learning lay the groundwork for the rich rewards of education.

The subject's vastness mirrors its relevance. We empower our students with a diverse tapestry of historical knowledge and a keen understanding of chronology, weaving together threads of change and continuity that traverse time. We cultivate an appreciation for the evolution of cultures and societies, a grasp of source skills, the art of insightful questioning, the finesse of analytical writing, and the prowess of critical thinking. Armed with these tools, our history students unearth the intricacies of the past, decode the nuances of the present, and chart their path towards the future.

Crafting Historians of Tomorrow

Our mission isn't confined to preparing students for examinations; it's about sculpting the architects of tomorrow's narratives. As our students traverse the corridors of history, they evolve into seekers of truth, guardians of context, and interpreters of significance. The past, they realise, is more than just a series of events; it's a tapestry interwoven with human stories, struggles, triumphs, and lessons.

As historians-in-training, they're more than participants in the present; they're navigators of the future. We don't just fill their minds with facts; we equip them with the cognitive prowess to interpret and analyse the world around them. With each lesson, a fragment of history is brought to life, a facet of understanding kindled, and a sense of purpose ignited.

In the crucible of the History Department, the sparks of curiosity are transformed into the flames of intellectual passion. Through the prism of history, students view the world not merely as it is, but as it was and as it could be. Our endeavour is not only to inform but to inspire - to mould curious minds into critical thinkers, eager learners into lifelong enthusiasts, and students into architects of their own destinies.

Key Stage 3

Embarking on a Historical Journey: Our Thoughtfully Designed Curriculum

Within our classrooms, pupils will embark on a journey through time, meticulously curated to unveil the rich tapestry of human history. From the foundations of Roman Britain to the intricate tapestry of the Middle Ages, the transformative winds of Early Modern Britain, and the complex fabric of our present-day 21st Century Global Society, our curriculum stands as a testament to the evolution of humanity.

Nurturing Essential Skills

Central to our curriculum is the nurturing of essential skills that transcend the boundaries of time. We champion the art of communication, delving into the realm of historical narratives with an aim to convey stories, events, and emotions across eras. Through the lens of causation, pupils will unravel the intricate threads that bind events, exploring the ripple effects of actions and decisions that have shaped our world.

The mastery of evidence, an essential tool in deciphering history's enigmas, is another cornerstone of our approach. Pupils will learn to evaluate, interpret, and analyse various sources, each bearing silent witness to the past. The skills of identifying change and continuity form a vital part of our curriculum, fostering an understanding of the ebbs and flows that have shaped societies.

Perspective is celebrated in our classrooms, as pupils are guided to appreciate a spectrum of viewpoints that have shaped historical narratives. The discernment of different interpretations adds depth to their understanding, highlighting the multiplicity of stories that history unveils.

Balanced Pedagogical Approach

Our teaching methodology is carefully calibrated, striking a harmonious balance between active learning, independent enquiry, and historical investigation. Pupils will be immersed in active learning experiences, breathing life into the past through engaging activities that evoke the spirit of bygone eras. The power of independent study will empower them to delve deeper into historical rabbit holes, fostering self-discovery and cultivating a thirst for knowledge.

The hallmark of historical enquiry, a structured and systematic approach to understanding the past, guides our pupils in extracting nuggets of truth from the labyrinth of history. This process moulds them into critical thinkers, investigators, and storytellers of history's unfolding drama.

A Continuum of Learning

Our curriculum isn't merely a progression through time; it's a continuum of learning that equips pupils with skills that resonate far beyond the classroom. From Roman legacies to modern global dynamics, each era holds lessons and insights that echo through the ages. Through our curriculum, pupils don't just witness history; they become its custodians, poised to apply its wisdom in shaping a more informed and enlightened future.

KS3 Curriculum Map

KS3 Overview

Key Stage 4

Exploring History's Rich Tapestry: Our Curriculum and Assessment

Our history course at the school is an immersive journey that revolves around four captivating option topics:

Crime and Punishment through Time, c1000-present: Delving into the annals of history, pupils will trace the evolution of crime and its consequences over centuries. By drawing comparisons between eras like the 'Bloody code' era and contemporary British judicial systems, students will unravel the intriguing changes and continuities in crime and punishment. This exploration will prompt thoughtful consideration of the moral dimensions underlying these shifts.
Superpower Relations and the Cold War, 1941-1991: The course will immerse students in the intricate dance of power between the USA and the USSR. From their alliance during WWII to the culmination of the Cold War with the collapse of the Soviet Union, pupils will dissect the geopolitical dynamics that shaped the global landscape.
Early Elizabethan England, 1558-1588: The complexities of Elizabethan society will be vividly unveiled in this module. As students traverse this historical tapestry, they will unearth challenges to governance, religious schisms, and the societal and economic intricacies that defined this era.
Weimar and Nazi Germany, 1918-1939: This module transports pupils to post-WWI Germany, unveiling the enduring aftermath of the war on the Weimar Government. The rise of Hitler and the transformative impact of Nazi ideology on German society will be explored, providing a glimpse into the profound upheavals of the era.

Unveiling Insights Through Examination

As pupils journey through these engaging topics, they will encounter a series of examinations that test their understanding and insights:

Paper 1 (30%): A thematic study on Crime and Punishment will challenge students to explore the continuum of criminal justice across epochs. Drawing parallels between the 'Bloody code' and contemporary systems, they will ponder the ethical implications of evolving punishments. The historic environment of Whitechapel (c1870-c1900) will further enrich their understanding of crime and policing's intersection with societal conditions.
Paper 2 (40%): In a period study, students will explore Superpower Relations and the Cold War, unearthing the complex interplay between the USA and the USSR. This geopolitical saga will be juxtaposed with an intimate examination of Early Elizabethan England (1558-1588), spotlighting the intricate challenges and divisions within the Elizabethan fabric.
Paper 3 (30%): The Modern Depth Study of Weimar and Nazi Germany (1918-1939) will transport pupils to a transformative period, marked by the reverberations of WWI and the rise of Hitler's regime. This module will illuminate the sweeping changes that swept through German society.

Throughout this historical voyage, pupils will cultivate essential literacy skills, enhanced comprehension abilities, and a deep-seated passion for reading and interpreting diverse sources. Our course fosters a profound engagement with history's narratives, nurturing inquisitive minds and fostering a lifelong appreciation for the intricacies that shape our world.

KS4 Curriculum Map

KS4 Overview

Key Stage 5

History at Ortu Sixth Form Centre

Co-curricular

Exploring History Beyond the Classroom: Enriching Experiences Await

Our commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of history goes beyond the confines of the classroom. We provide a spectrum of enriching opportunities that illuminate the past and inspire our students:

History Film Club: Immerse yourself in history's captivating stories through our Film Club. From riveting documentaries to thought-provoking historical dramas, this platform transports you to different epochs, bringing history to life on the silver screen.
KS3/4/5 Study Support: We believe in empowering our students to excel. Our study support sessions offer a chance to delve deeper into historical concepts, reinforce understanding, and hone the skills necessary for academic success. Whether you're at Key Stage 3, 4, or 5, these sessions provide tailored guidance to help you thrive in history.
Foreign Historical Visits: Embark on journeys that bridge classroom knowledge with real-world exploration. Our foreign historical visits are designed to transport you to historical sites where the past unfolds before your eyes. Collaborating with other departments, we create opportunities for you to cultivate transferable skills and a holistic understanding of history's influence.

These experiences transcend traditional learning, encouraging active engagement with history's tapestry. Whether you're dissecting historical moments through cinema, honing your skills through study support, or journeying to foreign lands steeped in history, you'll uncover a deeper appreciation for the past's intricate threads.

Staff

Miss C. Boileau - Subject Lead of History

Miss G. Ellis - Teacher of History / Acting Deputy Director of Sixth-Form

Mr J. Partridge - Teacher of History / Acting Deputy Director of Sixth-Form

Miss G. Bendall-Crawley - Teacher of History

Mr S. Purcell - Teacher of History

Miss I. Hawley - Teacher of History

Mr R. Lewin - Teacher of History

Specifications

GCSE History