The department offers a fascinating range of topics from Medieval through to modern history. At Key Stage 3, students learn about Britain, Europe and the World between 1066 and the Twentieth Century.  After this students can opt for GCSE which focuses on the key events and people of the Twentieth Century.  A level History and also A level Government and Politics are offered for Sixth form students.

Is History Useful?

Pupils who do well at the subject will not only have learned about fascinating events and people form the past but you will also have a better understanding of the world they live in and humankind.  You will have been taught to think about and evaluate a range of historical material and develop good communication skills and rational argument - skills valued highly by employers!

Is History Interesting?

History at the Crypt is studied in a variety of ways.  As a department we employ a wide range of teaching resources, use of textbooks, ICT and make full use of visual material (documentary and newsreel film) as an integral part of the course.  You will work in individually, in pairs, in groups, taking notes, creating diagrams, writing essays, making presentations and even model making. In return, you are expected to show an interest in the history and be prepared to develop your own ideas and responses to the material you are studying.  We want you to learn to think independently and communicate your ideas effectively. Above all, we want you to enjoy your history studies at the Crypt.  

Is History Difficult?

Pupils who want a good grade in history will have to work hard at the subject.  You ll need to practice reading widely (given the interesting topics studied, this should be fun), try to analyse and argue a point in writing, rather than simply telling a story.  However, there is no special language or technical knowledge required for History and so hard work and enthusiasm should make it possible for anyone to achieve a good national curriculum level or grade at GCSE and A level.

The Department

Andrew Morgan, Head of History and Politics (senior Edexcel GCSE examiner)
Adrian Courtenay, Assistant Headmaster (senior OCR A level examiner)
Gilbert Anthony, Key Stage Co-ordinator (past GCSE examiner)
Jonathan Standen, Headmaster (past GCSE examiner)
Nick Dyer, Deputy Headmaster (past A level examiner)

History Wiki Page

What Will I Be Studying?

Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9/National Curriculum)

• Medieval England, including the Battle of Hastings, the Black Death, the Peasants Revolt and the Crusades

• The Making of the UK and modern world, including The British Civil Wars, the Great fire of London and the Industrial Revolution.

• The Modern World, including World War I, 1930s American Gangsters, the Wall street Crash, the rise of dictators, World War II and the Blitz

At Key Stage 4 (GCSE)      

• Germany 1919-1939, including a study of the Nazis

• Britain and World War II, including the Battle of Britain and D-Day

• The Cold War, Including the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War (Controlled assessment)

At Key Stage 5 (A level)

• The Norman Conquest – were terror, violence and war the only ways by which William I conquered the English?

• The Unification of Italy

• Causes of the Cold War - who was to blame for the most dangerous war in history?

• Russia and its Rulers - Did Communist leaders help Russians more than the Tsars?

• Independent research project- Research, analyse and write about any issue from history

Out Of Lesson Learning

In addition to the above courses we offer out of class learning opportunities, such as the Poland/Auschwitz study visits, trips to Goodrich castle. There are also whole year group study days, for example the Year 8 Civil War day - complete with real Cannon.

We have links with Edexcel principal examiners, who spend a day each year with our Year 10/11 boys revising for their GCSE examinations.

How A Pupil Can Do Well At GCSE History

• Reading through his exercise book and rethinking on any piece of work that has received low marks

• Reading through his revision guide and having a go at the practice exam questions

• Visiting the KS4 section of the history section of the intranet and reading through the Germany e-book and completing the short revision activities (4 per day)

• Reading through the Steve Waugh (EDXECEL examiner) workshop booklet

• Studying all pages and completing tests on the BBC bitesize website  

• Attending revision sessions on June 9th  and 11th at 1.10-2.00  and June 16th  and 17th  at  3.15-4.15

• Answering questions with a developed statement’. Example:

  Question: Describe one decision that was made  about the division of Europe at the Yalta conference in 1945 (2 marks)

  Answer 1: At the Yalta conference it was agreed that both the USA and USSR would have influence in Europe.

  Correct, but does not explain what this means - half marks.

  Answer 2: At the Yalta conference it was agreed that both the USA and USSR should have a sphere of influence in Europe within which their interests would be respected. The USSR sphere of influence would be Eastern Europe.

  The point made is now supported with explanation and some detailed information - full marks.

  The second type of answer should always be provided -examiners call these ‘developed statements’ or ‘developed arguments’.