The study of History involves so much more than just looking at events from the past. It lets us understand why changes took place and why these changes matter to us today. History is the story of how people have lived and thought at various times throughout the past. It involves the study of both ordinary and extraordinary people who lived in exciting times.
While History is interesting in its own right, it is also useful as it teaches students valuable skills that will support them in other subjects and almost all professions. In studying History, students learn how to collect and analyse evidence. They learn how to think critically, identifying bias and evaluating arguments. History also teaches students who to communicate clearly, formulating their own arguments, presenting them persuasively, and supporting them with evidence.
The History department at Fortismere is passionate about their subject, highly motivated, and keen to innovate in order to engage students and support them to reach their full potential. We use a wide range of teaching and assessment styles to engage, support, and stretch students as they study the subject. We have furthermore embraced 21st century education, as each classroom is equipped with interactive whiteboards and digital projectors. The department makes extensive use of Google Classrooms both in and out of the classroom to enrich students’ experience of History. The popularity of History at KS4 and KS5 continues to grow, with students achieving consistently high grades at both GCSE and A Level, as well as many students going on to read History at Oxbridge and Russell Group universities.
KS3 History
Fortismere students study a wide range of topics and periods across Years 7-9, covering the history of Britain and the wider world across the last 2000 years. The units studied by KS3 students are as follows:
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Autumn Term |
Spring Term |
Summer Term |
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Y7 |
What did the Romans do for us? |
Did the English suffer under Norman rule? |
Could a medieval king do whatever he liked? |
Was the Black Death a turning point? |
Why did Islam spread so far, so fast? |
Was London all muck and misery, 1000-2000? |
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Y8 |
Was the 16th century one of new ideas? |
Was Britain out of control, 1500-1700? |
Who were the Ottomans? |
Can Britain be proud of the abolition of slavery? |
Why was the 18th century so revolting? |
History of medicine: 1000-2000 |
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Y9 |
Why did Britain take over the world in the 19th century? |
Was the ‘Great War’ great? |
USA: Jazz Age or Depression Blues between the wars? |
Why was the Holocaust significant? |
Why is there conflict in the Middle East? |
Did Britain transform between 1939 and 1975? |
GCSE History
At GCSE, students study the Edexcel course, including the following units:
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Autumn Term |
Spring Term |
Summer Term |
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Y10 |
Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, c. 1060-1088 |
Crime and Punishment through time, c. 1000-present |
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Y11 |
Weimar and Nazi Germany, c. 1918-1939 |
Superpower relations and the Cold War, c. 1941-1991 |
Revision |
Exams |
A Level History
At A-level, students study the AQA History course, including the following units:
- Unit1: The Tudors - England, c. 1485-1603
- Unit 2: Revolution and Dictatorship – Russia and the Soviet Union, c. 1917-1953
- Unit 3 (Coursework): Topics within the history of the United States, c. 1863-1992
Extra Curricular
At KS3, trips are run to the Tower of London and to the Imperial War Museum to support the topics studied in class. Furthermore, a Historical Association Young Quills club focusing on the reading and reviewing of new historical fiction has been launched.
At KS4, a trip to Berlin is run every other year to support students in their study of Nazi Germany and of the Cold War.
At KS5, students are taken annually to academic lectures in London on Russian history (Year 12) and Tudor history (Year 13). A further trip to New York is run every other year to support students in their study of American history for their A Level coursework.
The History department further makes extensive use of Google Classrooms and display boards within the department to direct students to appropriate independent extracurricular opportunities, such as related works historical fiction or museum exhibits in London.
Contact the History Department:
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Common, Ms L |
Head of History and Politics |
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Sullivan, Ms S |
History Teacher |
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Brearley, Mr S |
History Teacher |
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De Freitas, Ms N |
History Teacher |
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Johnson, Mr A |
History and Politics Teacher |
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Leith, Mr J |
History Teacher |
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Stewart, Mr D |
History Teacher |