History
History is the most all-embracing subject because it encompasses all human thought, endeavour, achievement, failure and experience.
As individuals and as members of groups, communities, nations and the global family we are shaped by our personal and wider history: equally, we can and should seek to influence and improve what goes on around us and what comes after us. Historians do not simply look to the past: we engage with the present and try to build for the future.
The attitudes and skills which historians develop are essential for almost every aspect of life: the ability to see problems from several perspectives; command of detail allied to a convincing overview; accurate knowledge as the foundation of understanding and analysis; the ability to form and present a well argued explanation. History students enter a stunning range of careers: politics, law, journalism, management, charity work, finance, the armed forces as well as drama and other creative crafts. All require the broad skills which the study of history fosters.
In the Senior School at Ashville we cover mainly British history in Years 7 to 9, although we do investigate wider topics like the Renaissance. GCSE involves major aspects of World History in the twentieth century. In the Sixth Form we engage with the vibrant issues which affected and afflicted Britain and France in the seventeenth century – political tyranny and rebellion, religious conflict, international diplomacy, the exaltation of one king, the execution of another and the banishment of a third.
Mr Andrew Barker is Head of History and will also be responsible for the new Sixth Form courses in Government and Politics. Mr Richard Horsley not only teaches History but oversees History of Art. Mrs Heather Stewart combines her History teaching with valuable work in Learning Support. We look forward to the new Head of Sixth Form Mrs Victoria Rumsey adding her vitality and expertise to our enthusiasm and experience when she joins us in September. We undertake regular professional development and have links with examination boards and with colleagues in other independent and maintained schools throughout the country.
As part of our outward looking approach, we are redeveloping our visits and tours: look out for the Royal Armouries and various battlefields!
