History

Aims and Philosophy

All pupils take history for the first three years; our aims are to stimulate the natural curiosity which many of us have for the past; to develop language and essay-writing skills and an ability to use 'evidence' in history, of which there is a great variety including maps, diagrams, artefacts, buildings and pictures. We hope that the books and equipment on display give some idea of the wealth of materials available.

Course content

Years 7 - 11 In Years 7 - 9 we follow a modified version of the National Curriculum: 'Medieval Realms', 'The making of the United Kingdom' and 'The era of the second world war', are included. At the beginning of Year 10, history becomes an option subject, usually taken by about half of the year group. We study a two-year GCSE course entitled Modern World History. Based on international relations, the course still demands some essay-writing - but also important is the study of a wide range of sources (including contemporary extracts, newsreel film and cartoons) in order to develop awareness of bias and propaganda.

AS or A Level History can be sensibly combined with nearly all other subjects. It is usually taken by about 10 - 20 sixth formers each year, including some new entrants. The new AS course consists of two units, one on the Crusades during the 12^th and 13^th Centuries and the other centered on Britain 1815-53.

The A level course units include an investigation into Lenin and the Bolsheviks from 1903-24 and a 100 year Study of Civil Rights in the USA. Candidates also conduct their own personal investigation on a topic of their own choosing. There is no coursework in the Lower Sixth year.

Resources

History is taught by three specialist teachers. The department is well-equipped with a new suite of specialist rooms, one of which houses the Sixth Form History Library (over 1000 books).

A Level and after Sixth Form historians go on to study a variety of subjects at university: for example law, psychology, journalism, archaeology and anthropology, philosophy and politics as well as history. Our pupils enter a wide range of careers; they tend to be good communicators.

Conclusion At school level, we hope to make pupils aware of our rich heritage of local and national history - not merely through academic study but through film and television, and occasional visits to museums, castles, stately homes and Sixth Form conferences. The Plymouth College canal holiday, organised by Paul Rose, is also well supported and can also be a historical experience!