Brighton College

Brighton College


In Year 9 History pupils undertake an in-depth investigation of Slavery in the Americas in the 18th and 19th centuries. They look at how imperialism contributed to the development of the Slave Triangle, how African slaves were treated at different stages of their experience and, finally, how slavery came to be abolished. Throughout this unit pupils are encouraged to evaluate and reflect on the ethical and philosophical aspects of slavery. Pupils then study the 20th century including the First World War, the Russian Revolution and the rise of dictatorships. The pupils analyse and evaluate the reasons for these historically significant moments in an objective way. They engage in a wide variety of activities: from reconstructions, to writing their own journals to lively debates.

The GCSE course

Pupils use source materials to investigate intriguing questions about the people and developments of the past. In GCSE History they explore the political, social and diplomatic history of the 20th century, bringing to life some of the key events and personalities of the Cold War, Europe and wartime Britain.

Arguably people’s lives and attitudes have changed faster over the last 70 years than during any other period in history. This GCSE course will help the pupils to understand how and why these changes have occurred and why the world is as it is today. The GCSE syllabus enables pupils to build an in-depth understanding of the history of the 20th century from a World, a European and a British standpoint.