History Department
As a department we are committed to engaging and including all learners.
We aim to develop both the historical and thinking skills of all learners by providing pupils with a variety of learning opportunities.
Independent thinking and analysis skills are actively encouraged across both key stages.
Through our teaching, we are continually striving to make history relevant and engaging for pupils, as well as developing their historical knowledge, understanding and skills.
We also aim to inspire learners through extra-curricular activities and visits, along with cross-curricular activities.
The department is staffed by 4 full time specialists, with a wealth of experience, interest and expertise.
Staff
Head of Department
Miss. M. John
Key Stage Manager
Mrs. J. Allen
Mr. R. J. Davies
Acting Head teacher until January 2012
Deputy Head
Mr. I. Newton
Welsh Bac Coordinator
Key Stage 3
In Year 7 History skills are developed through the ‘Skills’ curriculum.
In Years 8 and 9 pupils receive 2 lessons of History per week.
Year 8
Topics studied include the following themes:
• Ruling , Rights and Rebellions
• The changing nature of Empire
• Local History
• Significance - an event or personality
Year 9
Topics studied include the following themes:
• The Industrial Revolution
• 20th Century World
• Local History
• Significance - 20th century event or personality.
Key Stage 4
In Years 10 and 11 pupils can opt to take History. GCSE History has traditionally been a popular choice at Coedcae, with over 100 pupils opting each year.
The Department offers two levels of courses, GCSE and Entry Level History / Humanities Pathways. Each course receives 3 lessons of History per week.
GCSE History
Our current WJEC course includes 3 exams (1 hour each) and a controlled assessment (completed in school). One exam module is sat at the end of Year 10 and the other 2 exam modules at the end of Year 11. The topics studied are as follows:
• Germany in Transition, 1929-1947
• Crime and Punishment c.1500 to the present day
• Sports, Leisure and Tourism c.1900 to the present day
• A controlled assessment on either World War One or World War Two (alternates each year).
Entry Level History / Humanities Pathways.
Both the Entry Level History / Humanities Pathways are continuously assessed courses with no formal examination, studying the same topics as outlined above.
Extra curricular activities
All pupils at Key Stage 3 are welcome to join the Horrible Histories Club. This takes place on Thursday lunchtime. Activities on offer at the club are:
• Reading the books and magazines
• Watching the TV episodes and DVDs
• Surfing the website and completing quizzes
• Playing the Horrible Histories cards.
More Able and Talented (MATS)
History MATS engage in a variety of enrichment activities and visits.
In 2010, History MATS from both Key Stages were involved in the running of a Mock Election in school.
As a follow up to the Mock Election run in school, in the summer of 2011, MATS pupil visited the The Senedd in Cardiff. On this visit, pupils took part in a debate using the technology in the chamber, a classroom based activity on the Welsh Assembly and were given a tour of the new Welsh Assembly building.
GCSE Visits
To enhance pupils’ knowledge and understanding of the Germany in Transition module, GCSE pupils have visited ‘The Holocaust’ Exhibition at the Imperial War Museum London. In the Exhibition pupils saw photographs, documents, newspapers, artefacts, posters and films offering stark evidence of persecution and slaughter, collaboration and resistance. The visit provided pupils with a valuable and emotional insight into life in Hitler’s Germany.
Entry Level / Pathways Visits
To enhance pupils’ knowledge and understanding of the Second World War Entry Level pupils have visited Swansea Bay 1940s Museum. During the visit, pupils were given a guided tour of the museum, and could examine artefacts and try on clothing from the time.