History Department Aims & Objectives
History is an essential part of the broad, balanced and relevant curriculum. In each key stage all students are entitled to planned coherent courses of historical study which are appropriate to their needs.
A. SUBJECT SPECIFIC
1. To stimulate interest in and an enthusiasm for the study of the past which will remain with students throughout their lives.
2. To help students to develop a sense of identity through learning about the past.
3. To contribute to students knowledge and understanding of a range of cultures and societies, both as an interest in itself and as a contribution to understanding the world today and its complex inter-relationships.
4. To learn about the past from a variety of perspectives – political, social, cultural, economic and religious.
5. To introduce students to what is involved in understanding and interpreting the past by:
- acquiring an understanding of chronology and appropriate conventions of describing periods in the past and developing and understanding of historical time
- being introduced to the particular language of historical periods and to a range of historical concepts appropriate to their level of study
- studying a wide range of historical sources, both primary and secondary. Including opportunities to visit and study historic sites and buildings and museums
- demonstrating understanding of change and continuity, cause and consequence, similarity and difference
- developing understanding of how and why different versions of the past are constructed
- acquiring the skills and techniques of using and analysing evidence
- developing insight, based on evidence, in order to offer explanations of past events and so forming an appreciation of the perspectives and motives of people in the past
6. To use a wide range of teaching and learning styles
7. To communicate clearly the results of historical research, employing a wide range of media. For example through extended writing, oral work, role play and use of information technology.
B. GENERAL
1. To implement the aims and values of the school in line with the school aims statement.
2. To implement whole school policies regarding:
- equal opportunities
- homework
- pupil discipline
- assessment, recording and reporting
- staff development and appraisal
- special educational needs
- multi-cultural education
- primary-secondary school liaison
- Information Technology
- community links
- review and evaluation
3. To contribute to the development of cross curricular skills, themes and dimensions by integrating them into schemes of work and classroom practice
4. To develop a knowledge and understanding of the links between history and other subjects within the curriculum.
5. To contribute to the training of students’ minds by disciplined study
6. To contribute to students personal and social development. Preparing students for adult life by emphasising the value of rational explanation, respect for evidence and toleration of a range of opinions. Above all to encourage an informed and responsible scepticism.
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