This thematic study will enable students to gain an understanding of how the identity of the people of Britain has been shaped by their interaction with the wider world. It will consider invasions and conquests. It will also study the country's relationship with Europe and the wider world. It will consider the ebb and flow of peoples into and out of Britain and evaluate their motives and achievements. It considers the causes, impact and legacy of Empire upon the ruled and the ruling in the context of Britain’s acquisition and retreat from Empire.
Students will study the importance of the following factors as they influenced Britain’s dealings with the wider world:
- war
- religion
- government
- economic resources
- science and technology
- ideas such as imperialism, social Darwinism and civilisation
- the role of individuals.
Students will develop an understanding of the varying rate of change, why change happened when it did, whether change brought progress, and the significance of the change(s). They should also be able to distinguish between different types of causes and consequences, such as short/long-term causes, intended/unintended consequences.
Students will study how factors worked together to bring about particular developments at a particular time and their impact upon society.
This option focuses on the following questions:
- How has Britain been affected by conquest, settlement, and migration?
- What has motivated migration to and from Britain?
- Why did Britain gain and lose an empire and with what effects?
- How have the people of Britain and the wider world responded to, and been influenced by, interaction?
- What is the significance of key individuals and events in the development of empire and British identity?
- Teacher: Erin Bakstad ((Staff))
- Teacher: E Papworth (Teacher)