The History Department at Abersychan is located in two dedicated teaching rooms in the main building. Both rooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards and laptops for pupils to use. History is taught by Subject Leader, Mr Evans and Mr Thomas, both of whom are experienced subject specialists. The department is consistent and successful. In 2010, 65% of all GCSE pupils achieved a Grade A*-C and, in 2011, 57% of all GCSE pupils achieved a Grade A*-C. In 2010, 65% of all Year 9 pupils achieved a Level 5 or above and, in 2011, 73% of all Year 9 pupils achieved a Level 5 or above.
Year 7: how the coming of the Normans affected Wales and Britain between 1000 and 1500. Different topics studied include:
- The Battle of Hastings;
- How William the Conqueror kept control;
- Life in a medieval village;
- The Black Death;
- The Crusades.
Year 8: the change and conflict in Wales and Britain between 1500 and 1760. Different topics studied include:
- Henry VII as king;
- Henry VIII and the break with Rome;
- Elizabeth I as Queen;
- The Civil War.
Year 9: the changes that happened in Wales, Britain and the wider world between 1760 and 1914. Different topics studied include:
- The industrial revolution, focusing on factories, coal and iron.
Year 9: how some twentieth century events have shaped our world. Different topics studied include:
- Wales and Britain in The First World War.
Year 10 & 11: at GCSE History, four units are currently studied. You will study and sit exams on:
- The U SA, 1929-2000, focusing upon American society and the race issue.
- Depression War and Recovery, 1930-1951, focusing upon life in the depression in the 1930’s, the road to the Second World War, the Home Front in the Second World War and Wales and Britain after the Second World War;
- Germany in Transition, 1929-1947, focusing upon Hitler's rise to power, how Hitler consolidated his power, how Hitler changed the life of ordinary people in Germany and Germany in World War Two.
- You will also complete 2 coursework assignments, on either Britain in World War One, focusing on the role of women and the Battle of the Somme or Britain in World War Two, focusing on Evacuation and Dunkirk.
The USA, 1929-2000 examination will be sat at the end of Year 10. The Depression War and Recovery, 1930-1951and Germany in Transition, 1929-1947 examinations will be sat at the end of Year 11.
What homework and assessments will I have to do?
You will have one assessed task per term to complete at home, based on what you have been learning in class. This will be marked by yourself and a friend and you will set yourself targets for improvement. Your teacher will also mark it and give you a level as well as suggesting ways in which you can improve in the future. If your level is better than your target level, you will receive a merit and a letter of commendation. You will also have one research task to complete every term, based on what you will be learning in class next term.
You will be set a past paper after every module you complete. You will also sit a mock exam in Year 11. You will also complete 2 coursework assignments that count for 25% of your final grade. If your grade in your assessments is better than your target grade, you will receive a merit, a certificate and a letter of commendation.
There will also be regular revision classes after school to provide you with extra support.
What visits can I go on?
Pupils will have the opportunity to visit Cosmeston Medieval Village, Llancaiach Fawr and Big Pit during their studies in Years 7, 8 & 9. Pupils in Year 9 will also have the opportunity to visit sites relating to the First World War in Belgium around the city of Ypres.
Pupils will have the opportunity to visit the Imperial War Museum in London.