img78.gif (2154 bytes) img10.gif (6533 bytes) img100.gif (7137 bytes)

History

    History is an investigative subject.  Students have to use research skills and have an inquisitive mind.  It is a subject that uses events of the past to teach lessons about our present and future.  Issues of citizenship, rights and responsibilities, morality and society are covered.  History is the only subject that gives students an understanding of the past that helps explain the present.

    Key Stage 3 History is prescribed by the National Curriculum and therefore the content is very similar in every school:

  • Medieval Realms  1066 - 1500

  • Making of the U.K. 1500 - 1750

  • Britain  1750 - 1900

  • French Revolution

  • Twentieth Century World History

  • Black Peoples of the Americas

    • Key Stage 4 is SEG Modern World History:

  • Russia    1917 - 1941

  • Germany    1918 - 1939

  • International Relationship - Superpowers 1945 - 1991

  • Race Relations in the U.S.A. and South Africa

    We chose to do this course for a number of reasons but mainly because it was so recent and modern.  Students find the work interesting and relevant to the world in which they live.

    The skills of research and inquiry, looking at different points of view and being able to argue a point of view in a clear way are also seen as very relevant to careers and jobs that students are interested in, for example, law, journalism, management and teaching.

    Homeworks are set in every year.  On average, Key Stage 3 will get homeworks three weeks out of four, Key Stage 4 will get one or two per week and the same at A-level.  We feel that this helps students to have some continuity between lessons as well as giving them a chance to work more independently.  At exam level, homework helps students to complete the course in time and give them practice of exam questions.

    Conclusion

    History is and should be interesting, relevant and useful to students.  A Roman philosopher once said, "To not know your history is to forever remain a child," Cicero.

    Prime Minister Tony Blair also believes in the value of History, "If we can learn the lessons of the past we will be able to avoid making mistakes in the future." - 1996