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.