History

Autumn Term

Ancient Egypt

Egyptian housing; the hierarchy; farming and wine-making; fishing and hunting; hieroglyphics; gods and beliefs; pyramids; mummies; Tutankhamen; food; life as a Pharaoh; counting.

Spring Term

Ancient Egypt

continued (see above).

Ancient Greece

chronology of Ancient Greece; Greek mythology; Greek democracy and language; diet and landscape; slaves, women and children; the Greek city states.

Summer Term

Ancient Greece

continued (see above).

Autumn Term

Romans

the Empire; the army; the invasion of Britain; Boudicca's rebellion; housing; the Roman baths; roads and places.

Spring Term

Anglo-Saxons

life in a village; runes; story of Beowulf; social life and law & order; religion; the legacy of the Anglo-Saxons.

Summer Term

Vikings

Viking ships; homes; way of life and King Alfred.

Autumn Term

Tudors & Stuarts

the monarchy; housing; Tudor London; rich and poor; the Spanish Armada; health; The Great Plague; the Great Fire of London.

Spring Term

Tudors & Stuarts

continued (see above).

Victorians

child labour; differences between rich and poor; schools; inventors and inventions.

Summer Term

Victorians

continued (see above).

Autumn Term

History of London

Roman Londinium to Victorian London will be studied. Special emphasis will be placed on use of both pictorial and written sources of evidence. The idea of change and continuity will be addressed, as well as the role of specific personalities, such as Dick Whittington, Samuel Pepys, William Hogarth and Charles Dickens.

Spring Term

Britain since 1930

This topic will concentrate on pre-war and events during WWII.
Particular attention will be paid to the Home Front and Evacuation. The pupils will work to place events, people and changes within a chronological framework. They will use a range of sources. Special emphasis will be placed on the idea of change and the experiences of men, women and children.

Summer Term

Britain since the war

The development of the welfare state, immigration and changing technology are topics included in this term, following on work done in the Spring Term.

Autumn Term

Medieval Realms

Pupils will examine the Medieval period in Britain, starting with the Norman Conquest, power of the Church, the death of Thomas Becket and the Crusades. They will analyse the characteristic features of the period including ideas, beliefs and attitudes of men and women. They will describe, analyse and explain reasons for, and results of, historical events. Evaluation of sources in their historical context will be covered. Understanding of how and why some events, people and situations have been interpreted differently will be covered.

Spring Term

Medieval Realms

The term starts with an in-depth study of King John, looking at the different ways he has been looked at and the importance and difficulties in using contemporary sources. The second half of the term will be spent looking at the development of Parliament and the monarchy, looking particularly at the monarchies of Henry III and the three Edwards. The term finishes with a look at the Black Death.

Summer Term

Medieval Realms

A short study of the development of castles starts the term, followed by studying the Peasants' Revolt.
Pupils will study cause and consequence and the investigation of sources of information, both for usefulness and reliability. Their ability to organise and communicate will be developed through written work.

Autumn Term

Making of the United Kingdom 1500 - 1750

The evolution of modern Britain through Tudor and Stuart monarchies. Topics will include reformation of the church under Henry VIII and the religious struggles that continued into the 17th century, a mini-study of the reign of Elizabeth I and then a comparison of her success with the problems faced by Charles I. Pupils will establish and understand the chronology of the period. Study in depth main events of the period, to be able to describe, analyse and explain reasons for results.

Spring Term

The French Revolution

The causes of the French Revolution will be studied and important ideas and concepts dealing with political history will be introduced. The course will develop the consequences of the Revolution, including the eventual rise of Napoleon. Pupils will work to be able to describe, analyse and explain causes and consequences and be able to relate British history to events within Europe. This course is especially important in linking with work to be done at Mill Hill.

Summer Term

Revision of topics for the Common Entrance

How Europeans have responded to other cultures

The first half of term will be spent in preparation for the Common Entrance examination. During the second half a mini-study on Western contacts with other cultures, particularly through the British Empire. There is again a link between this topic and the work that will be done in the first year at Mill Hill.