History: Power and the People – based on the GSCE History syllabus

Have you ever wondered how people have acquired recognised rights in England despite the country having no written constitution? Where did our constitutional monarchy model come from? Why and how have power and democratic ideas been spread and shared?

During this ten-week course we will look at four main areas: Challenging Authority and Feudalism in medieval society; Challenging Royal Authority in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries; Reform and Reformers looking at the expansion of voting rights; Equality and Rights - for women workers and minorities in the 20th century. We’ll be starting with the events around Magna Carta, looking at the impact of the Reformation and the English Civil War on the balance of power between monarch and Parliament, and then debating electoral reform and women’s suffrage. We’ll finish by looking around issues of equal rights in the 20th century, and the changes this brought about, both social and legal.

Based upon a GCSE topic, this course will give you an opportunity to see how history is taught in schools as well as helping you understand how democracy and institutions have developed in Britain. Expect lots of debate and a few challenges on the way - but no formal exam at the end!