Total Education

History is both the past and the study of the past. The past influences all aspects of our lives. It shapes the customs and beliefs of the communities to which we belong. Learning about the past and the methods used to study it helps children make sense of the world in which they live.

Throughout the study of History at Barrow Hills, the pupils get an overall view of chronology (when events happened) and they are encouraged to ask 'why, when, what and who?'. The topics covered are varied, relevant and interesting. At each level, pupils must be encouraged to think for themselves as much as possible.

In Year 5, pupils learn about Early Exploration from Columbus, Magellan and Drake. They gain an understanding of early navigation, the importance of silks and spices and the effects of exploration on the New World. They then focus their learning on the Aztec civilisation, their way of life, religion and the arrival of the Spanish. They visit the National Maritime museum to gain hands-on experiences about life at sea and the voyage of Francis Drake.

In the second part of the year pupils learn about the Ancient Greeks, their way of life, beliefs, technology and conflicts, particularly concentrating on Athens and Sparta.

In Year 6 pupils study the Victorians: Queen Victoria, country life, and growth of towns, poor families, factories and mines. They also learn about inventions, transport, medicine, education and Empire. By visiting Guildford Museum they experience a day in a Victorian school. In the second half of the year, the children learn about the First World War to the year 2000, concentrating on unemployment, the rise of Hitler, World War 2 and the Blitz, the swinging 60's, 70's and 80's. This is supported by a visit to the Imperial War Museum and St Thomas' Hospital Old Operating Museum. The year concludes with a study of the life and times of John Lennon and examines the impact of Rock n' Roll, the music of the Beetles and the influence of the Peace Movement.

History in Years 7 and 8 covers England from 1485-1750. This is primarily an in-depth study of the Tudors and Stuarts. Beginning with the Battle of Bosworth, students undertake to learn about the political, social, religious and economic events of the era. Their study completes at the Glorious Revolution and the start of the Georgian period. In addition, this year we are introducing a new syllabus which will cover the Medieval realms, covering English history from the Battle of Hastings through to the Battle of Bosworth.

Above all, we try to develop enjoyment of the subject as well as developing the skills of the historian. This provides an excellent foundation when our children go on to study history in their senior school and beyond at GCSE.

Andre Hodgson-King, Head of History

andre.hodgson-king@barrowhills.org.uk