Clayesmore

History

History fires pupils’ curiosity about the past in Britain and the wider world. Pupils consider how the past influences the present, what past societies were like, how these societies organised their politics, and what beliefs and cultures influenced people’s actions. They see the diversity of human experience, and understand more about themselves as individuals and members of society.

What they learn can influence their decisions about personal choices, attitudes and values. In history, pupils find evidence, weigh it up and reach their own conclusions. To do this they need to be able to research, sift through evidence, and argue for their point of view – skills that are prized in adult life.

(The National Curriculum: Handbook for primary and secondary teachers in England, QCA/DfES, 2004)

History is taught at all levels at Clayesmore. In Year 9 all pupils take the subject and, after a short introductory course, study The Plains Indians and 20th Century history.

About 50% of the year group choose to continue with history to GCSE and study The Modern World syllabus (AQA), which picks up on some of the themes studied in Year 9 but looks in greater detail at the 20th century. We study the causes of the two world wars, the League of Nations, Appeasement and the rise of the dictators. Specialist topics include Germany (the Weimar Republic and the rise of the Nazis) and the USA (The Depression and the New Deal). There is Controlled Assessment (25% of the marks) on the First and Second World Wars. A highlight of the GCSE course is a visit to the battlefields in Belgium and France.

At A-level sixth form students of the subject study mainly 19th Century History (Edexcel). At AS we look at 19th Century Nationalism in Germany and Italy, and the development of warfare. At A2 we study the American Civil War and there is coursework on British foreign policy. We have seen a steady increase in those doing History A Level over the last few years.

At all levels pupils are encouraged to develop an interest, curiosity and enthusiasm for the past and to understand that the society in which they live has been shaped by developments in the past. They learn to study historical evidence, to ask questions and to solve problems. They learn to develop the ability to communicate historical knowledge and understanding orally, visually, in writing, and word processing, using appropriate techniques and vocabulary. In doing so, they develop skills applicable in many walks of life, from managers in industry and commerce, to politicians and civil studies.

History students leave Clayesmore to take up degrees not just in history but in a variety of subjects including law, European studies, business management and journalism.