Key Stage 3

The History Department at St. Martin’s is passionate about the study of history and we are dedicated to ensuring that all students excel through carrying out work which is both stimulating and challenging. We aim to develop and maintain an interest and enthusiasm when studying the past and to highlight the values and uses of history.

Pupils at KS3 study a range of topics which starts with the Battle of Hastings in 1066 and leads up to 20th Century investigations.

• In studying History at Key Stage 3, students develop a variety of skills which include:
• Critical reasoning and analytical skills, including the capacity for solving problems and thinking creatively.
• Intellectual rigour and independence, including the ability to conduct detailed research.

“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.”   Marcus Garvey

Key Stage 4

At St Martin’s we have chosen to follow the GCSE History course set by the Welsh Joint Education Committee (WJEC).

We will be studying 4 topics over two years:

• Depression, War and Recovery 1930-1951;
• The United States of America: A Nation of Contrasts 1910-1929;
• Changes in Health and Medicine c1340 to present day.
• Working as an Historian –non-examined assessment.

G.C.S.E. History will mean the learning of a wide range of new skills using historical evidence and understanding.  Pupils will study with a critical eye evidence such as news items, cartoons, statistical and parliamentary reports.  They will be made constantly aware of the importance in History of ideas; of the force of change but also the significance of continuity from one age to another, of the inter-relation of cause and consequence, and the importance and the understanding of motivation. 

“Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” George Santayana

Key Stage 5
AS UNIT 1: Period Study

• Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes. 20% of qualification.
• Europe in an age of conflict and co-operation c.1890-1991
• Open ended questions with a focus on relevant historical concepts.

AS UNIT 2: Depth Study- Part 1

• Written examination: 1 hour 45 minutes. 20% of qualification
• The Mid-Tudor Crisis in Wales and England c. 1529-1570
• Part 1: Problems, threats and challenges c. 1529-1553
• Evidence based questions with a focus on the evaluation of historical sources and different interpretations.

A2 UNIT 3: Breadth Study

• Written examination: 1 hour 45 minutes. 20% of qualification.
• The American Century c.1890-1990
• Essays focused on relevant historical concepts and based on historical themes.

A2 UNIT 4: Depth Study- Part 2

• Written examination: 1 hour 45 minutes. 20% of qualification.
• The Mid-Tudor Crisis in Wales and England c. 1529-1570
• Part 2: Challenges facing Mary and Elizabeth c.1553-1570
• A source based question and an essay arising from further study of the depth study.

A2 UNIT 5: Historical Interpretations

• Non-examined assessment: 3000-4000 words. 20% of qualification.
• Focusing on a specific historical problem or issue.

“History is a guide to navigation in perilous times. History is who we are and why we are the way we are.” David McCullough