Main School
History
The aim of the History Department is to stimulate curiosity, interest and enjoyment in History. Unless children are aware of the past they cannot possibly understand the present let alone read the future. Or as Tony Robinson, presenter of Time Team, once said," How do you know who you are unless you know where you've come from? How can you tell what's going to happen, unless you know what's happened before? History isn't just about the past. It's about why we are who we are - and about what's next."
At Red House we closely follow the programme of study set out in the National Curriculum-
In Year 4 the pupils study the Tudors and the Aztecs
In Year 5 the pupils study the Victorians and Ancient Egypt
In Year 6 the pupils study the Ancient Greeks and Romano Britain
In Year 7 the pupils study the Norman invasion of 1066 and English medieval life.
In Year 8 the pupils study the Reformation and the English Civil War.
In Year 9 the pupils study some 19th century social and economic topics and then some 20th century conflicts.
The GCSE course followed in Years 10&11 is Social and Economic History 1750-1900. Topics for one examination paper consider aspects of social protest, social reform and social improvements 1750-1900, in depth.
Topics for the second examination paper consider the themes of agriculture, industry and transport 1750-1900.
By following the GCSE course pupils will understand that History teaches them to think in ways that are not found elsewhere in the curriculum. Pupils are taught to use sources as evidence of how people behaved and thought in the past. They have to deal with problems like bias and prejudice when handling sources. They have to consider attitudes and points of view that are quite different from their own. Pupils are taught to describe, analyse and explain reasons for and results of the historical events, situations and changes in the periods studied. They will be called upon to make judgements on people or events from the past. Pupils will become aware that an event in the past can be interpreted in different ways. Pupils will be taught to communicate their knowledge and understanding of History, using a range of techniques, including extended narratives and descriptions and substantiated explanations. All of the above skills will provide training for future study, in whatever field, or for employment in a variety of careers.
For more details on detailed subject options view the Option Blocks webpage.
To Download the History Dept. brochure, please click on Tutankhamun below
Out of the Classroom
The department organises trips to The Royal Armouries Museum, Preston Hall Museum, Hadrian’s Wall, a northern medieval castle and Fountains Abbey.
History Department Personnel
Mr Colin Robinson CertEd Middleton St George, Head of Department
Miss Rachel Juckes BSc MA PGCE Liverpool, London & Durham Years 5 to 8.
Year 4 are taught History by their class teachers.