History
“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” – Marcus Garvey
The study of History involves the telling of the most amazing stories. Our syllabus and our teachers draw on that every day. What brings those stories to life though are the opportunities to feel and to touch that History.
The study of History involves the study of our own identity. Students explore their identity within a nation but also as part of a global society. From Year 7 they develop skills of explanation, of analysis of critical evaluation: to question and understand the world around them equipping them to be free thinkers.
A thematic rather than strictly chronological approach is taken to the syllabus, eg. the role of monarchy, parliament, civil rights.
Students look to make connections across time periods, to track the development of ideas. Within this come the more exciting outcomes for students.
For GCSE and A Level, options range from 8th Century Vikings to the ending of the Cold War. Importantly the skill sets employed by students to these time periods remain the same. Be it Guthren or Mao students evaluate impact and motivations.
The department offers a variety of approaches from social, political, military and also economic History, touching on such events as Weimar Germany and the Wall Street Crash.
Getting active with our History: We take groups to Berlin, to Washington, to Auschwitz, to France, to Belgium. Visits closer to home include Hampton Court. A speaker from the Holocaust Survivors presents each year. For younger years a Tudor Banquet is provided biennially.