Subject Overview
At Space Studio West London we understand that studying history allows students to explore the world in which they live in a profound way. We expose students to history through the study of stories, people, places, and events.
We believe that studying history has the power to transform: to change how students see themselves, how they see their world, and how they understand and communicate with others around them. Access to the history course allows students to nurture a sense of identity, understand the nature of peace and power, and orientate themselves in their ever-changing present worlds.
Independent learning is encouraged (with teacher guidance). Students carry out research projects as well as independent writing tasks. This is balanced with group work, class discussions, and teacher-led activities.
We understand that one historian’s interpretation of an event may differ from another’s. We ask: why do the interpretations differ? Does it stop them being useful? Can we ever find out which one is right? Is there such a thing as right and wrong when looking at an interpretation of the past? What do we need to consider? We then link this to the way we view and absorb information around us today.
Our history lessons reflect our desire to support and stretch students of all abilities. We take students of all literacy levels on the course and therefore work hard to support them. We do this by giving students access to the GCSE content through a variety of media: written text, documentary clips, recorded phone calls between world leaders, CIA documents, photographs, letters, transcripts, slogans, TV debates and more. We also support and stretch students of all abilities with the skills needed at GCSE through structured written work, class debates, discussions, placing evidence on weighing scales, reading historical scholarship together, dissecting primary sources, conducting independent research online, and more.
We encourage students to use the skills and knowledge gained in our lessons in a wider context. This demonstrates how our history lessons have value beyond the desks of the history classroom. Our cross-curricula approach begins to bring the students’ world of education together.
Mathematics is also discussed and utilised when working with dates and timelines.
Students are also encouraged to think critically and creatively in their history lessons. They are given the opportunity to do so independently and while working in groups. Through assessment (both formally at the end of term and informally during lessons) students are nurtured to become self-reflective, responding to teacher comments and eventually finding areas for improvement within their own work. These are all key skills for future employers.
Years 10 & 11
Students follow the AQA GCSE History syllabus. Students have one 2 hour lesson per week.