History

Course summary

History contributes richly to our students’ understanding of the world; it expands horizons and explodes assumptions. For many, the study of the past has its own inherent fascination, yet its value for all is that history opens our minds to new, and often challenging, human encounters. History reveals the interdependence of people’s actions and ideas. History informs us of humanity’s failings and prejudices, its achievements and aspirations. By engaging with history, students understand and appreciate not only the characteristic features and diversity of British society, but of a range of societies, political and social structures, cultures and beliefs. We aim to cultivate students’ ability to construct an argument, both orally and on paper, and to write and think analytically. Students develop their research, writing, debating and presenting skills as they work independently and in groups. All students are encouraged to participate actively in lessons and to think critically. Alongside the qualities of intellectual curiosity and endeavour, these skills and dispositions are useful not just in the Sixth Form but in higher education and beyond. A Level historians will learn to: Write with clarity and precision Develop their research and reading skills Argue their case perceptively both on paper and orally Form their own judgements based on the available evidence: for much of the history studied there are no ‘right’ answers and, if well-argued, each student’s view can be as worthwhile as that of a professional historian Assess the reliability and utility of documentary evidence Develop a sceptical approach to ‘obvious’ lines of argument