Subject Intent

Why study history at DCS?

We study history to understand the past, but also to try and explain the present.

A Level History at DCS helps ignite and engage the passions and interests of our students. It aims to provide students with a broad basis for further study.  Students will study the history of more than one country or state in addition to the study of British history. They will also complete a thematic study, covering an extended period of history of approximately 100 years.  The coursework element allows them to explore in granular detail an area that is of specific interest to them using historical skills and sources. Our aim is to create independent learners, critical thinkers and decision-makers – all personal assets that can make them stand out as they progress to higher education and/or the workplace.
 

 

Staffing

Head of History and Politics

Mr M Adler  

Lead Teacher of Politics

Mr J Keene

Teacher of History

Miss L Smith

 

Homework

In A Level history, homework is not only designed to consolidate and revisit knowledge students have started to learn in school but also to give them the opportunity to apply this knowledge. Students may be asked to do a range of activities to support their retention and application of knowledge. These include tasks that involve memorising/ utilising key information from their learning by:

  • Completing or preparing for a factual knowledge test
  • Creating mind maps, topic guides, flash cards and summary revision resources
  • Answering essay questions based on the question strings used in the exams. 

Assessment

The history faculty follow a responsive teaching approach and hinge questions are used to ensure that students have understood the key knowledge before moving on.  

Opportunities are carefully planned for spaced retrieval practice to address the forgetting curve. This is primarily addressed using the Start Now tasks.   We also plan exit tickets to allow teachers to understand the key misconceptions and gaps to address in future lessons.

Other types of formative assessment include targeted questioning using techniques such as cold call.  We also use mini whiteboards in lessons to check the understanding of all students.

Summative assessments are based on the OCR A Level course and take place in line with the school’s assessment calendar. All assessments use student friendly versions of the exam board mark scheme which allows us to provide clear and actionable feedback. 

 

Independent Study and Revision

The history faculty have planned in opportunities within the curriculum to practice the skills required to respond to longer written questions.

The history faculty understands that spaced retrieval will help students to develop flexible knowledge and we promote the regular recall of key knowledge. 

All students are provided with text books/revision books where possible and additional resources are available to purchase.

Wider reading lists and suggestions of activities for students to complete in their independent study periods are regularly shared with students. 

 

Subject Enrichment

Opportunities to further enrich the subject include visits to university lectures; historical sites and subject specific visits to sites of interest.