History at Alderbrook is taught by subject specialists whose areas of expertise cover a wide range of historical periods. We are committed to inspiring our students to take an active interest in the history of both Britain and the wider world during their time at Alderbrook, and on into the future.
The modern workplace increasingly demands the skills of the historian: the ability to understand change, to communicate effectively and to make judgements after assessing all the available information.
The Which Subject, Which Career? report comments,
“historians are regarded as having had an education that trains their minds to assemble, organise and present facts and opinions … history is an excellent preparation for very many other jobs”
History gives us an understanding of the present and another point of view from which to consider our own lives. The examples of the past can both inspire us and warn us in our lives today.
History helps us to boost confidence in our own judgement. It helps us to develop and then defend our own opinions.
At Key Stage 3 students are placed in mixed ability groups. Students cover a range of historical periods that equip them for success in the skills required for their GCSEs. Year 7 and 8 follow a chronological study of British and world history.
At Key Stage 4 History groups are mixed ability.
History is an exciting and academic discipline that nurtures curiosity, hones our thinking and promotes the development of important skills. Studying A level History provides an environment to communicate and wrestle with historical controversy. While exploring the nature and complexity of history as something beyond that of ‘the past’, we are able to understand and appreciate the world in which we live, where we have come from, and where we may go.
Alderbrook School Sixth Form Students explore a range of perspectives such as social, religious, political and cultural in both the Tudor and Cold War period. Students have the opportunity to investigate independent lines of enquiry, explore the process of change over time and assess the significance of particular individuals and events in the past as part of an extended piece of coursework.
History, joint honours degrees with other related subjects e.g. Archaeology, Politics, Classics, English Literature, Economics, Media, Journalism, Travel and Tourism, Law, Psychology and Sociology.
Minimum grade 6 in GCSE History or, if not studied before, a grade 6 in GCSE English Language.
‘Nescire autem quid antequam natus sis acciderit, id est semper esse puerum.’
‘To be ignorant of what occurred before you were born is to remain always a child.’
Marcus Tullius Cicero
In recent years, there has been dramatic change to the subject knowledge taught at GCSE. As such, the History Department strives to ensure that extra-curricular opportunities enrich the subject matter learnt in the classroom.
We highly value local history. As such we run a trip to the Black Country Museum. This fantastic open air museum provides an excellent opportunity for thinking and reflection about our local history and the impact this has had on the wider world.
History is a highly academic GCSE that requires a high level of literacy coupled with key critical thinking skills. As such it is applicable to a wide range of professions. History acts as a great platform for careers in Politics, the Civil Service, Law, the Media and Education amongst many others.
At Alderbrook School, the History Department prides itself on developing a number of skills for success. These are as follows:
Reflectiveness through developing a greater sensitivity of global concerns which is mapped across the entire curriculum.
Respect of others such as a respect of other peoples’ cultures, religion and value system as well as the consequences of intolerance e.g. Slavery, Holocaust and Suffragettes.
Critical Thinking through making historical judgements about key historical debates. For example the quality of leadership of world leaders.
Analysing facts, data and situations through historical analysis. This can include evaluating the reasons why individuals hold different historical interpretations and the usefulness of this.
For further information, please contact the Curriculum Development Leader for History Mr J. Harrison