Years 7 - 11 In years 7 - 9, we follow a modified version of the National Curriculum: 'Medieval Realms', 'The making of the United Kingdom' and 'The era of the second world war', are included. At the beginning of Year 10, history becomes an option subject, usually taken by about half of the year group. We study a two-year GCSE course entitled Modern World History. Based on international relations, the course still demands some essay-writing - but also important is the study of a wide range of sources (including contemporary extracts, newsreel film and cartoons) in order to develop awareness of bias and propaganda.

AS or A Level History can be sensibly combined with nearly all other subjects. It is usually taken by about 10-20 sixth formers each year, including some new entrants. The new AS course consists of: Two 'period studies': one based on 20th century Europe, with particular reference to Stalin, the USSR (and the Cold War); the other on Stuart England in the first half of the 17th century. There is also a 'document study' on the English Civil War which dovetails neatly with the English 'period study'. The A2 course (the second half of the full A level for those who continue beyond AS) will involve a Personal Investigation on a topic of the candidate's own choosing. There is no coursework in the lower Sixth Year.