The History Department at Radnor House Sevenoaks believes in taking an active and questioning approach to the past.

“Our purpose is to develop the intellectual and emotional character of our students through their study of the diversity of environments, human experience and to inspire students to be curious, questioning and reflective individuals.”

The History department at Radnor House Sevenoaks aims to bring the past to life, drawing together the experiences of different people, living in different places, throughout the ages. Whether it’s Otzi the Iceman, King Henry VIII and his wives or Winston Churchill, we try to transport our students back to the events that have shaped the world in which we live.

At Key Stage 3, History is soundly embedded within the school curriculum, with students enjoying two lessons every week. We use a wide range of teaching and learning methods and value role-play, group work, presentation work, written exercises, games and quizzes as well as focusing on giving students as much ‘hands-on' experience as we can. History has often been classed as a purely academic subject, but here at Radnor House Sevenoaks we try and make it as much a part of everyday learning as we can.

In Year 10, students follow a core thematic study (Medicine c1250-present). Students will use case studies and a thematic unit on surgery and treatment on the Western Front between 1914 and 1918 to enhance and develop their independent learning skills and their ability to select and interrogate a wide range of historical source materials. In the second half of Year 10, students will complete a detailed and comprehensive and challenging study of Weimar and Nazi Germany, 1918-39. Students will engage in the study of a diverse and complex period in European history, considering political, economic and social changes in Germany and the significant moral questions of race and expansionism.

Year 10 students will complete a formal end of year examination during Term 3.

In Year 11, the final phase of GCSE study will combine a detailed and comprehensive and challenging study of Henry VIII c1509 - 1540, alongside a period study on The Cold War 1941-91, with a vigorous period of revision that will add finesse to the written work completed by all students.

Year 11 students will complete a formal mock examination towards the end of Term 1.