History
History is about us. It is an exciting and intriguing story. History helps to explain the past, inform the future and develop inquiring minds. We enjoy working hard and achieving success.
Welcome
Staff
Overview
Facilities
In the Classroom
Beyond the Classroom
Mr. Jonathan Colpus
A warm welcome to our History Department. We are young at heart: we like to learn and help others to do so. We are interested in how our ancestors would have lived their lives. Who were their kings and queens? How would they have earned a living? What dangers did they face? What laws did they have to obey? In history we study the evidence, use the clues, make judgments and explain our reasons. We think carefully about what we say and write so that we can express our ideas and conclusions clearly. We put all of our efforts into being the best at doing this because we believe it is so important.
Department Staff
- Mr. Ian Burnett
Department Overview
Our work in Forms 1-3 (Years 7-9) acknowledges areas of study in National Curriculum. However, we prefer to study less content in greater depth. This enables us to develop the skills of analysis and evaluation of historical evidence and to explain causation and consequence more effectively than by adopting the ‘pebble dash’ approach of merely seeking to assimilate a mass of historical facts. From a firm foundation pupils proceed to GCSE and thence to AS and A level.
Facilities
The department has a well equipped classroom with TV/video, interactive whiteboard and computer with internet access. This, together with appropriate text books and worksheets, enables pupils to work with historical sources and material presented through a variety of approaches.
In the Classroom
In Form 1 we focus on the medieval period, progressing in Form 2 to topics relating to the Tudors and Stuarts, whilst in Form 3 the focus is on issues within the period from the mid-eighteenth to the twentieth centuries.
GCSE
At GCSE we study ‘British Social and Economic History 1700-1900’. This involves preparation for 2 examination papers which account for 75% of the total mark and a coursework element worth 25%.
AS Level
For AS level we prepare for papers on ‘The Condition of England 1832-53’ (1 hour), ‘The Age of Peel, 1829-46’ (45 minutes) and ‘France, 1814-48 (45 minutes)
A Level
At A level the marks gained on the AS papers are carried forward and added to those gained on the A2 papers namely: ‘The Changing Nature of Warfare, 1792-1918’ (1hour 30 minutes), ‘Anglo-German Relations and Chamberlain and Appeasement 1919-39’ (1 hour 30 minutes) and an Independent Investigation (coursework).
Beyond the Classroom
Opportunities exist for visits to historical sites to reinforce learning. Launceston and Okehampton castles and Exeter cathedral supplement work in Form 1. Torrington 1646, focusing on the role of the town and the nature of warfare during the English Civil War, support studies in Form 2. A programme for Form 3 during activities week proposes to include a visit to The Somme battlefields supporting their studies. In the past, Sixth Form students have visited the Houses of Parliament and a visit to the Imperial War Museum is being considered. Programmes may be adapted as appropriate.
