Curriculum Overview

With one teacher, students will study the establishment of communist rule in China from 1949-57. The aftershocks of these changes are still being felt today as China emerges as a great economic and political power on the world stage. Students will study China in 1949, the New Power Structure, how the CCP defeated its opponents and China and the Korean War. With their second teacher, students will learn about the key political, social and economic features of communist rule in Russia during the twentieth century, an era that saw its authority and influence rise to the status of a superpower, only to diminish and decline later in the century. The focus of study is on Communist government in the USSR 1917–85. A book that complements this unit is The Tragedy of Liberation by Frank Dikotter.

With one teacher, students will study in depth of the transformation of communist China's industry in the years 1949–65. They will study the early changes to agriculture, the communes, and the First and Second Five Year Plans. With their second teacher, students will learn about the transformation of Russia's industry in the years 1917-85. They will study the move towards a command economy, industry and agriculture in the Stalin era and the changing economic priorities 1953-85. A book that complements this unit is Mao's Great Famine by Frank Dikkoter. Where possible, students will also attend a lecture by John Nugée who is an independent commentator on financial, economic and political issues. He lectures at St Mary’s University, Twickenham in their politics faculty, and writes regularly for the financial press. He has extensive knowledge on China and has lived there himself too.

With one teacher, students will study in depth the Cultural Revolution and its aftermath 1966-76. Students will study Mao's reasons for launching the Cultural Revolution, the Red Guards, the Red Terror, attacks on Mao, and the winding down of the Cultural Revolution. With their second teacher, students will learn about Russian control of the people 1917-85. They will study media, propaganda and religion, whilst also investigating the use of the secret police and state and cultural change. A book that complements this unit is The Cultural Revolution by Frank Dikkoter.

With one teacher, students will study social and cultural changes in China in the years 1949–76. They will study the changing status of women, education and health provision, culture and religion. With their second teacher, students will learn about the key social developments in Russia 1917-85. They will study social security, women, the family, education, and young people. A book that complements this unit is Wild Swans by Jung Chang. Where possible, students will also take part in an online lecture with Dr Weipin Tsai, Senior Lecturer in Modern Chinese History at Royal Holloway University, where they will learn more about the female experience in China and studying History at Univeristy.

With one teacher, students will explore the development of the British Empire. In particular they will focus on the loss of the American colonies 1770-83, learning about key events such as the Boston Tea Party and the Declaration of Independence. They will also study Australia's role as a penal colony and the impact of the British settlement on Aborigines in Tasmania and New South Wales 1788-1829. With their second teacher, students will write their coursework. The purpose of this coursework is to enable students to develop skills in the analysis and evaluation of interpretations of history in a chosen question, problem or issue as part of an independently researched assignment. The focus is on understanding the nature and purpose of the work of the historian. Students will be required to form a critical view based on relevant reading on the question, problem or issue. A book to complement this unit is Inglorious Empire by Shashi Tharoor.

This term, students will focus on improving their exam technique to prepare themselves for their End of Year exams. They will revise content previously covered this year, and take a deeper look at some topics. A good book which could be read during this time to prepare students for these exams is Empireland by Sathnam Sanghera.