History
ETHOS:
We aim to instil in the boys a good working knowledge and an enjoyment of the narrative of English history, encouraging them to foster an interest in the subject, relishing in the range of topics and areas of study offered at Arnold House.
By studying the subject in an ordered and methodical way, the pupils will be well equipped for the demands of CE and scholarship, as well as having the confidence to take on the topics studied at their Senior Schools.
However, we hope that this interest in History is not driven purely by a need to pass an exam, but will develop into a life-long interest and vehicle to understand the world around them.
We aim to start this process in the classroom at Arnold House by drawing on parallels with current events and showing how many modern institutions, themes and conflicts often have ancient roots.
AIMS:
• To instil good knowledge and enjoyment of the narrative of our nation’s history
• To foster an interest in the subject, relishing in the range of topics and areas of study throughout the school
• To equip pupils thoroughly and confidently for the demands of CE and scholarship
• To develop a life-long interest in history as a vehicle to understand the world around us
• To draw on parallels with current events, showing how many modern institutions, themes and conflicts often have ancient roots.
CURRICULUM:
At Arnold House, History is studied throughout the School and is a popular subject amongst the boys. A well-established curriculum offers variety and depth. A general outline of the topics currently studied is shown in this table.
Y1 (Studied in “Topic”) House and Homes, Schools, Toys
Y2 (Studied in “Topic”) Transport, The Great Fire of London, the Victorians
Y3 The Ancient Egyptians and the Ancient Greeks
Y4 The Ancient Romans, the Celts, the Anglo-Saxons and the Vikings
Y5 The New World: Exploration and settlement in the Americas
The History of the United States: War of Independence to the War on Terror
Y6 The Edwardians, the First World War, the Inter-war Years, the Second World War
Y7 The Norman Conquest, Life in the Countryside, the Mediaeval Church, Henry II and Thomas Becket, The Crusades, King John, the Black Death, the Peasants’ Revolt
Y8 The Hundred Years’ War, the Wars of the Roses, Henry VII, the Renaissance, the Reformation, the Tudor Monarchs, the Spanish Armada, the English Civil War
Post exams: The Civil Rights Movement, the Assassination of President Kennedy
In Years 1 and 2 boys are introduced to History as part of the Topic lessons and study themes such as houses and transport throughout the ages. "Proper" History begins in Years 3 and 4 with studies of the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Greece and Rome and then the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings. In Years 5 and 6 the programme is quite varied and encompasses work on European settlement in the Americas, the History of the United States and the very popular topics of the two World Wars. We are one of the few schools in the country that studies American History at this level and the boys gain much from this venture. During their studies of the Twentieth Century the boys undertake very successful project work on World War One, another initiative that the Department is proud of. The Year 7 and 8 syllabus is given over to topics needed for Common Entrance: The Middle Ages and the Tudor and Stuart periods. In addition to this, scholars work independently on the American and French Revolutions. After Common Entrance there is the opportunity for the leaving boys to look at the turbulent events in 1960s America: the Civil Rights Movement and the assassination of President Kennedy.
A variety of teaching methods are employed that use the best of traditional and modern approaches. Great emphasis is put on the "narrative" of History, but up to date technology such as interactive whiteboards and the Internet is used widely to support this aim. Lessons also encourage empathy and an appreciation of the differences and similarities between the past and the present. A sense of citizenship is also fostered by a clear study of English and British History, although this is put into European and world context.