History

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The History Department seeks to promote a broad and deep understanding of the past.

History at Francis Holland School is not just the learning of a series of dates and events – although they are important – rather we aim to inspire every student to achieve a wider and deeper understanding of the past, and therefore of the contemporary world, while developing key skills of critical analysis and good judgement. We develop students’ understanding of the nature of change and continuity, causation, consequence and significance in history, as well as of interpretations of the past in light of the context of the given society.

History Lectures

The Department is keen to broaden students’ knowledge and understanding by holding talks and the annual History Lecture Series which is delivered by members of the department and the History Prefects. Over the last few years these have included:

Who were the Plantaganets? by Emily Boon

Boy Soldiers of the Great War by Richard van Emden

Childhood between East & West Berlin by Albrecht Stewen

Was Shakespeare a political writer? by Clare Asquith

The World of William Byrd by Emily Boon

This term’s lectures can be found here.

Key Stage 3

The department believes that each student should have thorough knowledge of a broad sweep of history even if they do not take the subject at IGCSE. Therefore the Key Stage 3 course comprises a wide and varied curriculum which includes:

  • British History from 1066 to 1990 (including political, social, economic change)
  • Medieval non-European study unit
  • The Renaissance
  • The Reformation
  • Early Modern non-European study unit
  • The French Revolution
  • 18th and 19th century imperialism
  • The World Wars
  • Modern non-European study unit
  • Decolonisation

Students will use and develop their skills of note-taking, source evaluation, discussion, debate, and essay writing. There are many opportunities for independent research, group work, the use of ICT, debate, and project work.

IGCSE

At FHS the greater majority of students choose to continue their study of History to IGCSE level (Edexcel). The course again provides breadth and depth, allowing pupils to develop broader knowledge and understanding of the past, as well as improving their skills of analysis, enquiry, interpretation, investigation, communication, and argument. It offers considerable variety, in that pupils study British, European and world history, examining topics both in depth and thematically:

  • The Unification of Italy, 1848 – 1870
  • Germany, 1918 – 1945
  • The USA, 1917 – 1941
  • Changes in Medicine, c. 1848 – 1948

The course, which is entirely examination-based, provides excellent preparation for the study of History at A-Level.

A Level

The History Department offers a two year linear course covering British and European history. This provides the breadth that we know is valued by universities and avoids a narrow focus on the twentieth century, while providing depth in each key period. In this way pupils are well prepared for undergraduate studies, with History being a popular choice of degree course.

The A Level (Edexcel) is made up of 4 units, 3 of which will be assessed in written examinations at the end of the course, and 1 coursework unit. These units complement our IGCSE and Key Stage 3 courses and offer considerable variety in terms of perspective and depth of study.

Paper 1: Breadth Study with Interpretations
England, 1509 – 1603: Authority, Nation & Religion

Paper 2: Depth Study
The Dutch Revolt, c. 1563 – 1609

Paper 3: Themes in Breadth with Aspects in Depth
Ireland and the Union, c. 1774 – 1923

Paper 4: Coursework
Twentieth Century Representations Enquiry

Students have opportunities to develop analytical and critical skills, learn how to construct structured arguments, address historical claims and debates, and reach judgements by analysis and evaluation. The style of lessons is very different from IGCSE as we like them, as often as possible, to be seminars where students can offer their own views and discuss their own research.

The department uses classrooms equipped with interactive whiteboards and the latest computer and projection equipment to enable a variety of teaching methods.

Pupils benefit from an extraordinarily well equipped library which supports and enhances teaching and learning, especially at A Level. Textbooks are provided for every level and Sixth Formers can access the departmental digital resource library for notes, further reading suggestions and activities for extension purposes.

The department holds a library induction for A Level students each year to guide on the selection of reading material and how to study at advanced level.

The benefits of experiencing history outside the classroom are enormous. We take advantage of our historically rich central London location by organising a wide range of visits, all of which are designed to enhance what has been learnt in the classroom. Recent trips include:

  • Year 7 – Battle Abbey
  • Year 8 – Penshurst Place, Kent; Victoria and Albert Museum
  • Year 9 – Imperial War Museum

Sixth Form Afternoon Tea Group

The Sixth Form Afternoon Tea Discussion Group is open to all Sixth Formers, regardless of whether or not they study History. It meets one Friday a month after school to visit an exhibition, museum or gallery. This is followed by afternoon tea and discussion of what we have seen.

The department is run by Miss E Boon, supported by Miss I Wadham, Mr W Russell and Mr E Sylvester. Their collective expertise covers a wide range of periods from Medieval History to the 20th Century.

The passion and commitment of the History staff make it an extremely popular subject, and the girls achieve excellent results both at IGCSE and A Level.

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