We aim to stimulate interest in and enthusiasm for the study of the past, linking it where appropriate with the present. We therefore teach a wide range of topics, covering both British and international history. 

Senior One and Two (Years 7 and 8)

Pupils are taught an overview of British history from 1066 to the Twenthieth Century. 

Topics include: 

Senior One

  • What is history? 
  • Why did William win the Battle of Hastings? 
  • To what extent did the Normans change England? 
  • How did you get to heaven in the Middle Ages? 
  • All aboard the religious rollacoaster. How did religion change under the reign of the Tudors? 
  • Why did the Roundheads win the Civil War? 
  • Oliver Cromwell: hero or villain? 

Senior Two

  • The British Empire and slavery: Should Britain pay compensation for slavery? 
  • Why is the Industrial Revolution called a 'revolution'? 
  • How did women gain the vote? 
  • What caused 'The Great War'? 
  • What was life like in WWI? 
  • What was the main cause of WWII? 
  • Why did America drop the atomic bomb on Japan? Was it justified? 
  • We Didn't Start the Fire: Significant events of the Twentieth Century

Trips in S1 and S2 have included the Museum of London and the Royal Courts of Justice. 

Students at the Museum of London

As well as studying the curriculum, we also look at special historical events and anniversaries. The following pieces of work were both entries into the Black History Month Competition. 

Below is the Hindu-inspired commemoration artwork for Rememberance Day. 


Senior Three, Four and Five (Years 9, 10 and 11)

Pupils are currently studying the Edexcel IGCSE and cover the following topics: 

  1. Development of a dictatorship: Germany 1918-45
  2. A world divided: superpower relations 1945-62
  3.  The fall of communism in Europe, 1979-91
  4. The changing role of international organisations: the League of Nations and the UN 1919-2000

GCSE trips have included visits to the Imperial War Museum and trips to history conferences. Below is a picture of GCSE students with a piece of the Berlin Wall. 

Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13)

Pupils are prepared for the Edexcel specification, with the 'Communist States in the 20th Century' route.  At AS level the 2 units of study are:

  1. Russia 1917-91: From Lenin to Yeltsin
  2. The German Democratic Republic, 1949-90

At A2 level a further 2 units are studied.  They are:

  1. Ireland and the Union c.1774-1923
  2. Historical Enquiry (coursework on topic of the student's choice)

Wide reading is essential for success at this level.  Pupils are encouraged to read as much as possible using both the departmental library and the extensive range of texts on this period which can be found in public libraries.

The Swaminarayan School takes part in the Lessons from Auschwitz Project, a scheme where two sixth formers get the opportunity to visit Poland to see Auschwitz for themselves. On their return, the students then run a 'Next Steps' project to share their experiences with the wider school community. 

Upcoming Events

1st May 2018
Santos Assembly

2nd May 2018
Assembly MB

2nd May 2018
French Play S1

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pramukh swami maharaj

" The heart of Education is the Education of the heart, of the mind and of the spirit. "
Pramukh Swami Maharaj