All lower school history classes cover a chronological period that enables pupils to look at aspects of history at a local, national, regional, and global perspective. A lesson might involve looking at several types of historical evidence and sources, or choosing which historical interpretations are more convincing and why.
As an introduction to History at FHS, the course in the first year is packed with exciting and colourful events. We begin our journey in Baghdad during the Islamic “Golden Age”, and then go on to look at Medieval England, beginning with the Norman Conquest, and going on to study the ways in which power was distributed and the extent to which society changed. We return to Islamic Civilisation at the end of year.
In the Lower Fourth we concentrate on the key historical events and periods in the Early modern period, beginning with the Reformation in Europe and how it developed in Britain. Again, we look at where power was located, and also at societal changes, for example the increasing belief in witchcraft and how London was viewed by the people who visited. We also look beyond Europe to explore the colonisation of America, African civilisation and the evolution of the slave trade.
Students finish their lower school history journey in the modern era. The collapse of the British Empire is investigated by looking at the experiences of the people who lived in India and Kenya. This is followed by a very popular and detailed study of the First World War, and how women got the vote, before we turn our attention to the Second World War and the Holocaust.
By the end of three years, all students will develop a strong understanding of the skills required to be successful at GCSE level next year.
GCSE
History is an extremely popular iGCSE choice at FHS. Girls study the Cambridge Modern European & World History course and achieve excellent results.
The course provides a thrilling introduction to the events which helped to shape the modern world with topics studied in Lower Fifth with the focus upon International Relations 1919-1991. In Upper Fifth, our focus is upon Germany between the two world wars, including the Weimar Republic, rise of the Nazis and Hitler’s rule.
For coursework, one aspect of German History is investigated thoroughly and the girls complete an extended essay of 2000 words focusing upon significance.
A Level
In the Lower Sixth, the girls begin the two year course on 100 years of Russian History (1856-1964) and a British History topic, the War of Roses, which includes the great controversy of who killed the princes in the tower.
In the Upper Sixth, the two examined units continue and are complemented by an independently researched coursework essay with a range of titles associated with International Relations and Civil Rights in the USA.
The department maintains good links with a number of university History Departments and a number of our girls each year apply to read History in higher education including Oxbridge.
