History and Politics Department - an introduction

The History and Politics department enjoys an enviable reputation for academic success and is well respected for the scholarship, enthusiasm and commitment of its teaching staff.

We are keen to encourage all students at King Edward's by developing their knowledge and historical skills. We make use of a variety of teaching methods, whilst still pursuing academic achievement for all. Enjoyment of the subject is a key aim. Students are encouraged to explore and discuss their own ideas and our teaching styles reflect this, where interactivity is key.

History is a very popular subject at King Edward's, as indicated by the number of students continuing with the subject, which is only compulsory until the end of Year 9. A large percentage of students opt for the GCSE Modern World course and many go on to study at A Level and beyond.

There are three extra-curricular clubs too. History club for KS3 pupils seeks to develop knowledge in a practical and fun way. MUN (Model United Nations) caters for Year 11, 12 and 13 pupils keen to debate international issues. There is also a Think Tank – a forum for Years 11 and 12 to debate a wide range of historical, political and philosophical issues to develop their understanding in seminar sessions.

Year 13 & Year 12 Politics students enjoyed a trip to see ‘The Iron Lady’ Wed 18 Jan

January saw the release of, a film which portrays the rise to prominence and premiership of Margaret Thatcher.

 

The History and Politics Department at King Edward’s School organised a trip to see the film, The Iron Lady starring Meryl Streep at the Odeon cinema in Bath city centre on Wednesday 18^th January 2012.

 

Year 11 History trip to the Imperial War Museum

The History Department organised a Year 11 trip to the Imperial War Museum in London on Monday, 31st October.

This is an excellent opportunity for students to develop their understanding of both World Wars and the impact of the wars militarily, politically and socially, and will be of great benefit to their GCSE studies.

The day will include time to explore the museums many fine exhibits on World Wars One and Two and the Cold War. This will be of great help to students as it gives them the chance to research the period in more detail as well as giving them the opportunity to choose sources that they can use during their Controlled Assessment on Britain in the Wars this term.

Year 7 History Trip to Chepstow Castle - 22 Sept

Year 7 pupils will be visiting Chepstow Castle as part of their History syllabus on Thursday 22^nd September.

This has been a very successful and popular part of our curriculum for many years and several pieces of work over the next few weeks will be based on the information gathered on this field trip. 

 

Year 9 Three Day Battlefields Tour

The History and Politics Department is organising a Year 9 trip to visit the battlefields of Ypres and the Somme. 

All students in Year 9 study the First World War as part of their History course, investigating the experiences of trench life, the causes of the conflict and the key battles that shaped the war.  

The opportunity to visit these two iconic battlefields, and a number of memorials and museums associated with the First World War, serves as an excellent way to bring the History to life for the students and deepen their understanding of the topics they cover during History lessons. 

 

The trip will run over three days and two nights, departing on the morning of Wednesday 19^th October (the last day of school before the half term break) and returning in the evening of Friday 21^st October 

The busy itinerary is as follows;

The Memorial Museum Passchendaele
A full tour of the Ypres battlefield including Hill 60, Tyne Cot Cemetery, Essex Farm and Langemarck German Cemetery
The Sanctuary Wood Museum, which includes preserved trenches in which students can walk
Ypres Square
Menin Gate, where we will also see the Last Post ceremony
St. Martin’s Cathedral and St. George’s Memorial Church 

On the second day of the trip, our coach will take us to the Somme for the day, where we will be visiting:

The Musée Somme 1916, incorporating an underground tunnel gallery
Delville Wood
Thiepval, site of the Memorial to the Missing
Beaumont-Hamel
Newfoundland Park Memorial