The History Department at Winton Arts and Media College aims to develop in our students the ability to think critically and independently about people and events from the past.
The study of History should help students to discover their own beliefs and values by investigating how people lived in the past. We also aim to help students to understand concepts such as cause, consequence, change and continuity so they can look at today's world and see how to bring about the changes they feel are necessary to improve society; to appreciate different viewpoints; to recognise bias and to evaluate a wide range of historical sources; to develop the self confidence to express their own views and opinions both orally and in writing and, importantly, to make the study of History stimulating and enjoyable. We hope that the skills learned in History will help produce adults who are well balanced, well informed and perceptive citizens.
Students in Year 7 begin with a short introductory module entitled 'What is History?' which aims to introduce/reinforce some of the key ideas and concepts that the students will have come across in the Primary Schools. They then study the Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire. During this module they will explore how Rome developed from a city to become the most powerful Empire the world has seen, how it was controlled and examine the legacy that the Romans left behind. We then study Medieval Realms: Britain 1066-1500, exloring the development of Kingship and the life of citizens of Britain from the time of the Norman Conquest up until the War of the Roses and the beginning of the Tudor dynasty.
Students in Year 8 study the events of the reigns of the Tudor and Stuart families, focusing on religion as a catalyst for change and conflict throughout the period. We then move onto looking at the development of Britain and its role at the forefront of the Industrial Revolution.
Students in Year 9 begin their study of the Black Peoples of the Americas by evaluating the importance of studying such a topic. Pupils then investigate the experiences of those transported to America and the topic ends with group presentations on the development of the Black Civil Rights movement. The rest of Year 9 is spent looking at the First and Second World Wars.
Year 10 and 11 pupils who choose to take GCSE History follow the AQA History Syllabus A. This involves a 'Study in Development' which examines the development of 'Medicine Through Time' from the Prehistoric times right up to the present day. The course also involves a 'Depth Study' which centres on 'Germany 1919-1945'. Pupils are also required to completed a Controlled Assessment on an area of local historical interest. Our school has chosen to look into the local history of smuggling.
