Curriculum

History is a study of the past.  It has a distinct methodology which teaches students how to enquire, understand and interpret the past and the importance of sources as evidence.  History raises the awareness of moral, cultural, political, religious, economic and social perspectives of people in the past which may be present in today’s society.  It is important that all students should learn about history for it influences all aspects of our lives.  It shapes the customs and beliefs of the communities to which we belong, and helps students to make sense of the world in which they live and to prepare students for adult life.

Across our two-week timetable cycle, students have three History lessons in Year 7 and four lessons in Years 8 and 9. At GCSE, there are four lessons a cycle in Year 10 and five lessons in Year 11. Students studying A-Level History have nine lessons every two weeks.

The five Pillars that underpin our History teaching are:

These five Pillars are designed to develop in our History students a wide-ranging knowledge and curiosity in our subject. We aim to develop skills that not only allow students to understand how History is written but also how to analyse and evaluate sources of information in all walks of life. We want to give students the tools to succeed academically in History but also to continue their own interest in the past outside of the classroom.

Extra-Curricular

The department runs a debating club to stretch and challenge our students with contributions from across the Humanities Faculty.  Two Year 13 students every year take part in the Lessons from Auschwitz programme.