History

History illuminates the past and gives meaning to the present. More than ever, an education in History is fundamental to understanding the world in which we live.

The History Department prides itself on delivering a dynamic and high-quality learning experience to pupils. The teachers in the department are specialists in various periods of History, bringing to the classroom the debates and questions historians use to examine the subject today. We seek to inspire pupils of all abilities and deliver forward-thinking pedagogy. The fast-evolving demand for greater social awareness in society means that History teachers today have an important responsibility to deliver an education that enlightens the past and connects with the present. The History Department at St Edward’s is excited to have the opportunity to be in keeping with current global developments through the provision of a broad curriculum where lessons are in touch with and influenced by educational research.

The History Department consists of nine teachers with a range of specialisms. In the Shell year, pupils complete topics including a local study of the history of Oxford, the Russian Revolution and the Slave Trade. In the Fourth and Fifth Form, pupils study for the Edexcel IGCSE. The IGCSE course looks at Germany 1918-45, the USA 1918-41, The USSR 1924-53, and China 1900-89. In the Sixth Form, pupils complete either the IB or A level course. At IB, pupils study topics including US and South African Civil Rights, the French Revolution and Napoleon and Authoritarian States. At A level, pupils complete the OCR History course. Historians study three topics and a coursework module on Alfred the Great. Topics include British History in the 19th or 20th century, the American or French Revolution, and a breadth study of either Medieval Heresy or Tudor Rebellions. Around 100 pupils choose the subject at IGCSE and around 60 continue with History at A level and IB. Every year a significant number of our pupils go on to read History at university and we offer these pupils extension classes in order to prepare them for History at this level. Many A level and IB pupils complete an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) or IB Extended Essay in a History related topic which are supervised by members of the History Department.

We are a thriving and busy department, with a particularly rich and active extra-curricular range of lectures, societies and visits to enhance pupils’ enjoyment and understanding of the subject. History at St Edward’s goes far beyond the classroom and there are two flourishing History societies. The first is the Blenheim Society which is open to all Sixth Form historians and encourages pupil participation. Professors John Watts, George Garnett, Niall Ferguson, Avi Shlaim and Michael Lynch have given recent talks. The society also includes forums, discussions and talks about various subjects, such as the nature of medieval heresy, sixteenth-century witchcraft, nationalism and the Rwandan genocide. Secondly, the Gibson Society is named after Guy Gibson OSE. This Junior History society is an exciting way for Lower School pupils to develop their interest in the past.  Activities include assessing the historical accuracy of Hollywood movies, researching family history, and delving into historical fiction.

A significant number of pupils go on to read History at Russell Group universities. During the Autumn term Oxbridge candidates pursue an intellectually rigorous and demanding programme exploring themes such as historical interpretation and the epistemological foundations of the past.

Head of Department:  Henry Moore

Discover more

Teddies TV

Find out more

Arrange a Visit

Find out more

Galleries

Find out more