Students begin the course by gaining an understanding of the role of Historian as detective before studying elements of local history in Great Glen. They then focus on the society and achievements of the Ancient World (Egyptian and Roman Empires) through artefacts and individual research. Afterwards, they examine the Second World War through elements of family history as well as cross-curricular links such as the study of the novel Carrie’s War before examining issues of significance in the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.

Following an introduction to the concept of historical investigation, students conduct a survey of the medieval period from the Norman Conquest post-1066. Anchored to this study are first order historical concepts with notions such as feudalism and kingship are second order concepts such as chronology, change and continuity, cause and effect, significance, similarity and difference. These are explored naturally through studies of the legacy of the Norman conquest, medieval religion, disease and developing interpretations of King John, England’s ‘villainous’ king.  Social transformation is examined through the Black Death and the dramatic consequences of the peasants’ revolt. In essence, this year gets to the heart of medieval England as students develop their historical thinking.

Students emerge from the blood and guts of medieval England into a country in transition, reinforcing concepts as they go. Changes to monarchy and religion are explored through the Tudors culminating in the drama of the Spanish Armada invasion of 1588.  Students chart development of a changing English politics through the English Civil War and the rise of Parliament’s power against Charles I along with its deadly consequences. Diversity of England is also tracked through a Black British History Unit  which tracks the changes in the experience of Black Britons from the Roman times through to the Tudors, Slavery, Emancipation and beyond.

The aim here is an assessment of the Twentieth Century and its domestic and international impact. In an age of Empire, pupils critically address the issue of Victorian imperialism through case studies of India and other colonies before examining the various causes of the First World War, the nature of this tragic conflict. Pupils examine the causes of the Second World War from the role of Hitler's Foreign Policy to British and French Appeasement policies. Completing the year is a study of the various turning points in the Second World War' and examination of the impact of Decolonisation.

The Edexcel International GCSE Course is a two-year study that embraces two depth studies (The Development of Dictatorship: Germany 1918-45 and A World Divided: Superpower Relations: 1943-1972), one historical investigation (The Origins and Course of the First World War 1905-18) and a breadth study in change (Changes in medicine, c1848–c1948). 

In the Sixth Form, students begin two AQA units at A Level, one British, one European. Unit One is a breadth study of the transformation and trends of Tudor England from 1485 to 1603 with an emphasis on Henry VII, Henry VIII, Edward VI and Mary I before assessing the seminal reign of ‘Gloriana’ Elizabeth I; Unit Two is a depth study on Russia: Revolution & Dictatorship 1917-1953. It examines the end of Tsarist Russia, the Bolshevik Revolution and the rise of the Soviet Dictatorship under Lenin and then Josef Stalin from 1929. Students explore his grand social projects of the 1930s, victory over Nazism in the Second World War and the difficult international period until his death in 1953. The final AQA unit of A level is a 100-year Historical Enquiry (Non-Examined Assessment) looking at the causes of European international conflict from 1814 to 1914. There is a brief, taught course followed by a written assignment of approximately 3,500-4,500 words that serves as excellent preparation for university-level research.

Enriching History Beyond the Classroom​

• Our History Department offers a dynamic and immersive experience that brings the past to life. Students engage with history through a wide range of activities, including:​

• Interactive Events: From balloon debates and student-led presentations to historical documentaries and guest speakers, our events spark curiosity and deepen understanding.​

• Memorable Visits: We've welcomed veterans from the Korean War and Falklands campaign, as well as museum educators who’ve brought medieval clothing and artefacts into school.​

• Creative Projects: Highlights include a full-scale re-enactment of the Battle of Hastings, with Sixth Form students writing and directing, and younger students performing.​

• Unconventional Topics: Talks have explored unique themes such as the history of British professional wrestling and the role of the Sikh community in World War One.​

Conferences & Competitions​

• We host an annual Early Modern History Conference, featuring leading Tudor historians like Professor George Bernard.​

• Our students attend and present at GCSE and IGCSE conferences, with tailored talks from experts such as Gordon Corrigan and Jenny Macleod.​

• We encourage participation in national competitions like the Historical Association’s Great Debate, where our students have twice been national runners-up.​

Leicester History Festival​

• In 2022, we proudly hosted the second Leicester History Festival, themed around Empires. The event featured:​

• Talks on global topics from Hong Kong to Persia and the Cold War​

• Contributions from the National Caribbean Heritage Museum​

• Hands-on experiences with VR headsets, medieval reenactors, falconers, and archery experts​

Year 7 students have visited Warwick Castle or Lincoln as part of their studies on Medieval England; Year 8 have travelled to the Black Country Living History Museum to understand the onset of the Industrial Revolution on Britain while our Year 9 students will visit the The National Holocaust Centre in Nottinghamshire to better understand the profound impact of the Third Reich’s policies.

At IGCSE, Year 11 students have the opportunity to visit the National Cold War Exhibition at RAF Cosford to understand the military and cultural aspects of that conflict. At IGCSE, students also have an opportunity to embark on a residential tour of the WW1 Battlefields of Ypres and the Somme. The Lower Sixth are able to take advantage of Russian History conferences and there are plans for a London Tudor trip this summer for both years.

The Department is a full member of the Historical Association.