History

Without an understanding of the past the present is difficult to fully comprehend.

History is an essential if we are to challenge the values that underpin our democratic society.  It should encourage a love of the past, and introduce us to the full range of studying and finding out about it.

History does not deal in absolute or verifiable truths: much of our work is provisional and new research can often completely overturn previous cherished ideas.   Therefore history introduces us to the idea of uncertainty and the need for ongoing revision.

The study of history should encourage a spirit of argument, enquiry and debate and should challenge preconceived ideas.  In particular, as there is no such thing as a common ‘single’ history, by our study of history we should learn to value diversity and those whose ideals may contrast and even conflict with our own.

Additionally it is unique in a school curriculum in developing a sense of chronology and time.  It is a key subject in developing a sense of identity, whether personal, regional, ethnic, national or international.

Year 7: How did medieval Society work and what was it like to live then?

Year 8: Why did so many people want change in the between the seventeenth and nineteenth century?

Year 9: How has war shaped our modern age. What important innovations and changes have happened in the last 100 years?