History
Why Study History?
At Beaulieu, History brings the past to life and helps students make sense of the world around them. Our students explore fascinating people, events, and ideas that have shaped societies through time, learning to question, investigate and think critically. They develop the confidence to form their own judgements, the skill to argue with evidence and the curiosity to keep asking why.
History also builds empathy and understanding. By examining different cultures and perspectives, students gain insight into the challenges and achievements that define humanity. The subject’s relevance extends far beyond the classroom. Its lessons prepare young people to engage thoughtfully with modern issues such as democracy, conflict, and social justice in accordance with Catholic Social Teaching [CST].
Whether aiming for a career in law, journalism, politics, or education, studying History at Beaulieu gives students the skills, awareness and inspiration to shape their own future with purpose and confidence.
Year 7
We begin our study of History with an overview of Britain in 1060. This is followed by a study of the Norman Conquest in 1066, how the Normans consolidated their rule, the importance of the Church, problems faced by medieval monarchs, the Tudor and Stuart monarchies and the Georgian period up to 1745. There is also a Jersey component throughout the course, focusing on how it became a Crown Dependency. Finally, there is a study of great African civilisations prior to 1400 and a comparison with the lives of people in England in the same time period.
Year 8
Our study of History continues with a comparison of life in the Tudor period with life in 1900, focusing on change and continuity. Students will also study the causes of the Industrial Revolution and life for people and their working conditions. Students also study the slave trade and abolition. There is significant focus on political representation, war and conflict, including the Holocaust, between c. 1900 and the present day. Again, there is a focus on Jersey with the slave trade, Industrial Revolution and occupation from 1940-45, concluding our KS3 studies.
Year 9-11: (GCSE)
Students who choose History at this level will begin with a study of Medicine from c1840-c1948 in Year 9, The USA, 1918-41 in Years 9 and 10, A Divided Union: Civil Rights in the USA, 1945-74 in Year 10 and Dictatorship and Conflict in the USSR, 1924-53 in Year 11. Throughout the GCSE course, students will enhance their knowledge and understanding, build upon their skills of analysis and judgement, engage with contemporary source material and evaluate historical interpretations, thereby honing their critical thinking and essay writing skills ready for the next stage in their education.
Year 12-13: (A Level)
Students choosing History study two major subjects in The Tudors, 1485-1603, where they encounter political, social, economic and religious changes that helped form the world we live in today, as well as Democracy and Dictatorship: Germany, 1918-45, where they explore the changes and continuities as Germany moved from liberal democracy to Nazi dictatorship. In addition, they complete Non-Examined Assessment [coursework] on changes in political representation and democracy, 1815-1918. Students take ownership of their learning journey, ready for study at Higher Education or employment, leaving us as well-rounded, independent and inspired young people ready to learn more about the world.