History

Our fundamental aims in the History Department are twofold: first, to generate an interest in the subject, and secondly to transmit some knowledge of the past to those we teach that is both interesting in itself and, hopefully, of value to the pupils in helping them understand the world around them. 

It is important that pupils realise there were people here before them and that these people, though similar to us in many ways, were also remarkably different. It is also vital that they understand how our society evolved and why we are what we are now. 

History is a popular and highly valued subject at King Edwards.  

All pupils study History in their first three years and over half of these will take the subject on to IGCSE. Following this, we expect about 20 pupils a year to study the subject at A Level. 

The department’s approach is based upon two principles: 

• The firm and passionately held belief that great events in deserve to be studied and that this can, and should, be a cause of huge enjoyment and intellectual satisfaction to those who engage in this activity. Our hope as teachers is both to enthuse pupils during their school days and also to foster a lifelong love of the subject. 

• The clear and absolute certainty that the study of the past can help to develop vital skills of analysis and communication that will stand our pupils in good stead whatever they might do with their lives in the future. 

Head of Department, Mr Diver, shares more information about studying History at King Edward VI School.