Discover more about History

Research and independent learning are key in Key Stage 5 with a choice of modules which deliberately reflect a broad chronological range as well as a balance of British and international history. From the Wars of the Roses and the establishment of the Tudor dynasty; an investigation of Hitler’s Third Reich in Germany 1933-45; the Tudors, 1547-1603 and the heresy in the medieval European Church. The department seeks to develop skills of independent learning in a supportive fashion that helps to manage the transition to university.

Key Stage 4 chooses depth over breadth as girls study a course focused on international history in the twentieth century. The choice of topics aim to give students an appreciation of the two superpowers whose competing ideologies shaped the twentieth century, and their differences. Explored in Stalinism in Russia 1924-53 and the Roaring Twenties in the USA, 1919-29. The Second World War, International Relations 1919-39 and the History of Medicine add an even further depth to the curriculum.

In Key Stage 3, the emphasis of teaching is primarily focused on British history from 1066 to the 20^th Century. The aim being to help students understand life in Britain today and our place in the world. International history features in the curriculum when it has particular relevance for understanding British history.

This subject teaches girls to look in radically different ways at the material culture which surrounds us, from the Fine Arts through to expressions of popular culture. From this we can develop a vivid understanding of history. The subject provides skills which are valuable far beyond the classroom.