History

At Sheffield Girls’, History is all about discovering how different cultures have influenced modern society and reflecting on their place in history.

With a focus on analysis, debate, and critical thinking, History is the perfect subject for students with curious minds who love to explore big ideas, ask questions, and share their opinions. For those interested in understanding how the past influences the present and sharpening their skills in analysis and presentation, History is the ideal choice.

In Key Stage 3 we cover a wide range of different topics and eras providing students with a comprehensive overview of the subject and some key moments that have affected Western history. Years 7 to 9 prepares girls for further study at GCSE by equipping them with the study and research skills they need.

Year 7 topics:

• What is History?
• Medieval England
• The Tudors
• The Stuarts
• The English Civil War
• Oliver Cromwell

Year 8 Topics:

• The Industrial Revolution
• The British Empire
• The Transatlantic Slave Trade
• The causes and events of the First World War
• The Suffragettes

Year 9 Topics:

• 1920s America
• The rise of Hitler
• Life in Nazi Germany
• The Second World War

GCSE History

History is a popular GCSE choice and we follow the AQA GCSE History syllabus. There are two examination papers which test factual knowledge and skills.

We study:

• The history of medicine focusing upon Britain
• Elizabethan England 1558-1603
• Germany, 1890-1945 (the rise of Hitler and the Nazi state)
• Conflict and tension 1918-39

Our students find the GCSE course interesting, stimulating and a good basis for understanding issues in the news today – as well as a great deal of fun. History also allows pupils to develop skills of analysis, explanation, evaluation and debating. These skills are extremely useful in any career which students might pursue in later life.

Students will learn habits of independent study and research skills, and develop clear, logical writing styles. Like other humanities and languages subjects, History will help to build confidence in discussion, debate and presentations skills.  History also requires clear and analytical thinking and so also appeals to students studying Mathematics or Sciences.

Co-curricular Activities

Students in Years 10 and 11 have the option of various day trips related to the topics in the curriculum, including a visit to the Thackray Museum of Medicine and a potential site visit for the Elizabeth paper.

The History department regularly organises residential visits to sites in France relevant to the Second World War.