SUBJECT

History

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For September 2026

What are lessons like in this subject?

History is more than just studying past events; it is about exploring how these events shape our understanding of the world and influence the way we interpret the past and the present. In History we engage students with contemporary sources and texts written by historians. This supports students to engage with evaluating the significance of events, the role of key individuals in history and the nature of change over time. Lessons involve a combination of discussion, debate, group, and individual work. We use regular retrieval practice activities to support students to strengthen their long-term memory and develop their conceptual understanding of the past. Lessons link key historical content to developing essay technique, supporting students to form and sustain their own historical interpretations.

What will I study?

Paper 1 – The Tudors, 1485-1603. This breadth module covers the entire Tudor reign (Henry VII, Henry VIII, Edward, Mary and Elizabeth). It explores themes such as government, economics, foreign policy, rebellions, society and religion across the whole period. Paper 2 – Revolution and dictatorship: Russia, 1917–1953. This depth module covers Russia and the USSR. It explores topics such as: - The Russian Revolution; Bolshevik consolidation of power; the leadership struggle after Lenin’s death; life after Stalin’s dictatorship. - World War Two and the beginning of the Cold War.

NEA – German History. This piece of coursework requires the students to investigate 100 years of German history by looking at either the experiences of minority groups, or the experiences of women.

What our
students
say

The History course provides a lot of structure to your learning as is it sorted into topics. Similarly, you are given lots of support with the opportunity to plan essay questions and complete mind maps weekly which is very helpful to consolidate the content. There is some pressure taken off the exams as you do 20% as an NEA which is also helpful to know going into exams.

Lucy Burnett, Hill House School