Academic Departments - History

In Years 7 and 8 the National Curriculum is followed to include a study of British History from 1066 and a European turning point. Specifically, in Year 7 this involves a depth study of Castles and an enquiry into British Political History from the Norman Invasion in 1066 to the end of the Middle Ages.

In Year 8 the focus changes slightly in a consideration of Social, Economic and Cultural History over the same period (topics such as the Black Death, the role of the Church, development of villages, towns and trade, Britain and the world, art, music and language), followed by a study of the Italian Renaissance.

In Year 9 a course called ‘Who are the British’ is followed. It traces the development of Britain from the earliest times, with a brief consideration of archaeology, through the invaders of this realm and groups which came as settlers and refugees to enrich the cultural heritage of this country, from 1066 to the present day. It forms a good ‘final chapter’ and overview of this country’s History for those who will choose not to continue at GCSE, but at the same time allows a continued study of Sources and their interpretation and an introduction to essay writing in GCSE style.

The GCSE course is called ‘Aspects of British Social, Economic and Political History’, and it is just that. Topics, which can be studied, are as diverse as the Agricultural and Industrial Revolutions of Victorian times to Suffragettes, Britain in the Second World War and even Jack the Ripper! Whilst I select the content for the first year, to lead to the Coursework Study involving a visit to South Wales, the pupils may make their own choices as a group for Year 11. Jack The Ripper is a popular choice!

At AS and A2 level a course which nestles around the Tudors is followed, but branching out into a European parallel (as required at AS) in a study of the German Reformation, and a theme study of ‘Invasions’ for Coursework which takes the students from the Normans, through the Tudors to Napoleon and Hitler.

There are many opportunities to widen historical knowledge through school trips. In Year 7 we visit the Tower of London as part of the Castles topic. Year 8 go to Canterbury at the end of the year to tie in with their study of the Church and culture (Thomas Becket and Chaucer). Year 9 visit the archaeological site of Danebury Iron Age Hill fort and Andover Museum in a consideration of what can be learned from pre-historical finds.

The GCSE group spend two days in South Wales as part of their course work during which time they go down a coal mine, visit an Ironworks and compare an industrial valley with the beautiful Usk and Wye agricultural valleys. They even get to spend quality time with sheep at a remote hill-based study centre. Depending on choices made there are also visits to Kew Bridge Engines, Britain at War Experience and a tour of the East End following in the footsteps of Jack the Ripper. For the Sixth Form there are usually visits to Lectures given by top History academics and possibilities of other site visits which fit in with the course. We are very lucky to be in an area, which has so much history on offer. Equally, the department is very well stocked with videos to back up all of its courses.

A study of History at St. David’s is not just ‘boring old dates’. It can come alive through a study of personalities and stories which can amaze, sadden, inspire and engender that interest to want to find out more. The spirit of enquiry is very much alive in History lessons. Sources are questioned for bias and authenticity. Legends are examined to clarify the myth from reality (often with a little help of Walt Disney or even Monty Python). An inquiring, independent thinking mind should be the result of this study. Plus an ability to empathise with a situation as well as to form a logical, reasoned opinion or argument, which can be presented in oral or written form.

Discussion and debate is encouraged – the Sixth Form even re-try the Divorce Case of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, as well as present their own seminars in preparation for the rigours of further study. History is a good preparation for life. After all, if we do not learn from History we are doomed to repeat it! (Written on the wall of Auschwitz – that’s quite a lesson from History!)

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