History

Department Overview

In Forms 1-3 we follow the main themes of the National Curriculum, our aim in these important years is to provide our students with the key skills of the historian and to provide them with a strong knowledge of some of the key periods of history. From this firm foundation pupils proceed to more specialized areas of study at GCSE and thence to AS and A level.

Our History department at Shebbear College strongly believes in the importance of History as part of human development. We promote the ideal that knowledge of past societies and events is essential to any understanding of the world today. We see History not only as a subject for people who enjoy finding out about the past, but also a study which develops an open minded approach to life; encourages empathy with others and develops key skills, which are essential in many jobs. We aim to encourage all students to take an active interest in History and believe that, if the subject is approached in the right way, students of all abilities will benefit from it. We are committed to the teaching of central skills, throughout the Key Stages.  Analysis, evaluation and interpretation are the pillars of historical study and our teaching revolves around them. However, most of all we strive to pass on our enthusiasm and love of our subject to each and every student in our classes.

The department strives to organise the Curriculum in a way that will be exciting, stimulating and relevant to all students.  Recent activities have included; puppet shows of the Industrial Revolution, ‘dance off’ debates, press conferences, plays, a Blockbuster competition and a ‘Historian of the Month’, in addition to our more formal teaching. We aim to provide an educational experience, in a relaxed yet positive and focused atmosphere, that appeals to every type of learner and encourages our students to develop a life long love of history and a framework of knowledge with which to make sense of a sometimes confusing world! With this in mind we have recently reviewed the Programmes of Study to find a package, which will best serve our students and will regularly update and adapt the subjects and periods that we offer.

Facilities

The Department comprises a hardworking, experienced team of teachers, who are committed to the development of History at Shebbear College. We work towards common goals and objectives. Our organisation and planning involves the sharing of expertise, ideas and resources, which are used to promote consistency throughout the Key Stages. We enjoy a wide variety of textbooks and other resources within the department. We have recently invested in a number of new textbooks in order to update our existing stock, however, we keep older texts for reference and breadth of information. Our core textbooks for Key Stage 3 and GCSE are well suited for the courses we teach. We have a range of audio-visual materials, including interactive whiteboards television and video, tape recorders and a wide selection of educational videos and documentaries.

In the Classroom

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 the twentieth century and modern European history.

GCSE

At GCSE we presently 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%. However, as of September 2009 we shall be studying Modern World History, concentrating on Britain and the First World War, The Cold War, Nazi Germany and the USA:1945-1980.

AS Level

At AS we study ‘Russia: From Autocracy to Communism, 1894-1941’ and then ’The Condition of England, 1815-1853’. This can either count as an AS grade or 50% of the full A2 grade.

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, 1792-1945’ and the Vietnam War,1965-75.

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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. GCSE students will also enjoy numerous opportunities to visit significant sites of historical relevance to their studies. In the past, Sixth Form students have visited the Houses of Parliament and we look forward to visiting the Imperial War Museum and other establishments and talks in order to widen our understanding of the courses we study. Programmes may be adapted as new opportunities arise and circumstances change.