History Department

We are an experienced, successful and cohesive department that is part of the wider Humanities Faculty. (History, Geography, Philosophy, Religion & Ethics and Government & Politics). We are a strong and well-resourced faculty, offering pupils a challenging and positive learning experience.

We are committed to mixed ability teaching and to maximising opportunities for learning by providing an active, enquiry-based approach so that pupils can achieve and demonstrate their full potential. Our pupils thrive on challenge and we use a variety of teaching and learning styles and activities in and outside the classroom including thinking skills, independent fieldwork and research. We have worked hard in recent years to incorporate up-to-date, topical and relevant resources and activities into our teaching programmes. ICT is firmly embedded in the work that we do and pupils are encouraged to use and develop their ICT skills both in lessons and for homework. Considerable use is made of the school’s Managed Learning Environment (Fronter) with potential for further development.

Uptake of History at KS4 is excellent with approximately one third of pupils opting to take the subject as a GCSE option. At GCSE we follow AQA Syllabus B, studying Modern World History. We have excellent results, with our students usually achieving over 80% A*-C and over 35% at A*-A grades.

Since our 6 th Form opened in September 2006, we have offered A level History, attracting a pleasing uptake with two groups in Year 12 and in Year 13. We study GCE AQA, offering a variety of topics from the Tudors to Vietnam. Our results have been very encouraging, with 50% of students achieving grades A or B.

We have detailed schemes of work in place for all units at KS3 and KS4; these are being continually reviewed and updated and are intended as a supportive guide rather than a ‘prescriptive straitjacket’. We welcome new ideas and approaches.

We are situated in one area of the school in 11 rooms, each containing an interactive whiteboard and projector with video/DVD. Our work is supported by an attractive and well-resourced team room which houses a computer, printer and scanner with all teachers having their own laptop. In addition, we share a fully-fitted IT room. Focussed administrative support also facilitates the smooth running of the faculty. We also have the support of a Subject Assistant.

In addition we have:-

a wide range of reading materials
school produced resources centrally housed
a PC in every classroom
an excellent school Library/Learning Resource Centre.

We are looking for an appropriately qualified and experienced graduate to lead a well-established, talented and dedicated team of six History teachers. We look forward to welcoming a new member of the department and faculty. The successful candidate will be joining a friendly, supportive and forward-looking Humanities Faculty in a popular, oversubscribed school.

LYNNE SNOWDON

Head of Humanities

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FACULTY/DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

History Department

LYNNE SNOWDON