History

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There is no better place to study History than in an environment that itself is historic. From the only cathedral to host a coronation outside of London, to a classroom dating back to the 11th Century or from taking an exam in the room where the doomsday book was founded to overlooking a medieval herb garden and infirmary arches, there is no shortage of the past for our pupils to soak up as they go about their daily routine.

It is that historical background that enables us to really bring History to life for our pupils. We use a discussion based approach to our teaching and learning and tailor that learning to the interests of the pupils themselves. This is most notably seen in the GCSE years where we have introduced an iGCSE in Global Citizenship for interested historians in addition to their History qualification at the request of pupils. The analytical skills they learn through studying History provide them with opportunities to go on and study in fields as diverse as journalism, accountancy or law.

We look for extracurricular opportunities for our pupils wherever possible. Whether that is day trips to Tintern Abbey or the Imperial War Museum, residential tours to World War I battlefields or Berlin, or even a Civil War re-enactment.

Pupils are also able to get involved in helping others learn history by being involved in Heritage Tours on the school premises, being involved in History Week in Gloucester or being members of the Historical Association.

The School has its own museum, managed by a member of the History department, which enables the School to keep an archive of its own history.

This added value beyond the classroom or computer screen gives our pupils a real appreciation of their place in the both present and into their future as much as it builds a strong understanding of how the past has created today.

Most importantly, the small classes that our pupils learn in and the teaching freedom to move away from the National Curriculum means that pupils can truly value their history and understand how it has an impact on the present and their future.