History
Overview of Department
We recognise that knowing our past helps us to understand the world, its cultures and the people around us, and how they have influenced the modern world. This an important contributor to creating brighter futures for all. Through the study of significant people and events incorporated in our history curriculum, our students are provided with rich knowledge needed to understand the vast and varied world around them in the present day. The curriculum is exciting, broad and balanced and follows a chronological study of both British and wider world events.
Key Stage 3 History at Rye College – Discover the Story of Us!
What will you explore?
- What is History? – Kick things off by becoming a history detective! Learn how historians uncover the past and why it matters.
- Medieval Mayhem – Knights, castles, and the Black Death! Discover life in the Middle Ages and how it changed Britain forever.
- Terrific Tudors – Power, politics, and plenty of drama. From Henry VIII to Elizabeth I, meet the rulers who transformed England.
- Empire & the Trade in Enslaved Africans – Investigate the rise of the British Empire, the brutal trade in enslaved Africans, and their lasting impact on the world.
- Victorian Visionaries – Explore the age of industry, invention, and social change.
- The World at War – Experience the monumental events of the 20th century: WWI, WWII, and the fight for civil rights in America.
Our curriculum is chronological, exciting, and full of opportunities to think big. You’ll develop critical thinking skills, learn to debate like a pro, and sharpen your writing and presentation skills. Plus, our homework projects give you the chance to dig deeper into the past on your own terms.
By the end of Key Stage 3, you’ll have a strong foundation for GCSE History – and a better understanding of the world around you.
GCSE History
Your four areas of study:
- Medicine Through Time (c1250–present)
Trace the incredible journey of medicine – from medieval beliefs to modern breakthroughs. How did science, war, and individuals transform healthcare? - Elizabethan England (1558–1588)
Step into the world of Elizabeth I: a queen under threat, a nation on the rise, and an age of exploration and intrigue. - The American West (1835–1895)
Discover the clash of cultures, the struggle for land, and the myths and realities of life on the frontier. - Weimar and Nazi Germany (1918–1939)
Explore how Germany moved from democracy to dictatorship – and the forces that shaped one of history’s darkest chapters.
What makes GCSE History different?
- You’ll work with real historical sources and interpretations, learning to question and challenge evidence.
- Build critical thinking and communication skills that are valued in every career.
- Prepare for success with a clear focus on exam technique and independent research.
History at GCSE isn’t just about the past – it’s about understanding the world today and your place in it.
Knowledge Framework
At the heart of our curriculum is a commitment to providing pupils with powerful knowledge and a deep understanding of each subject. This framework illustrates the key knowledge, concepts and skills that pupils will acquire, as well as the ways of thinking and working that are unique to the discipline. By building learning progressively over time, we enable pupils to become confident, knowledgeable and successful learners.
Progression Maps
Our subject progression maps set out how students build and deepen their knowledge, understanding and skills over time. They make learning progression clear, ensuring that students develop greater expertise through a curriculum that is carefully sequenced and rooted in the unique nature of each subject.
Long Term Plan
Our long-term plans show the units of work taught in each subject and when they are taught. They provide an overview of the curriculum across the academic year and demonstrate how learning is sequenced within each subject.
Unit End Points
From our progression maps, we have identified end points for each unit of study. These make clear what students should know, understand and be able to do by the end of each unit. They ensure that learning builds over time in a logical and coherent sequence, helping students to secure the knowledge and skills needed for future learning. Teachers regularly check that students are secure in these endpoints and provide support where needed.
Career Progression routes
GCSE History provides essential skills for further study and diverse careers. Progression routes include A-levels and degrees in History, Law, Politics, Journalism, and Education. You'll gain analytical thinking, evidence evaluation, and strong communication skills—valuable for careers in law, teaching, journalism, heritage, government roles, and business management. GCSE History builds a strong foundation for academic success and career opportunities.