The History Department at Abingdon prides itself in being academically rigorous and educationally forward thinking. We believe that it is vital that lessons are dynamic, engaging and interactive so that pupils enjoy their learning. It is our aim at all times to use creative and imaginative teaching techniques which are geared to challenge and facilitate learning for the full range of learning styles. Visitors are welcome into any of our lessons to see for themselves how this translates into individual lessons with all year groups.
Overall departmental rationale
Recent developments in History teaching encourage us to be aware that History is not just ‘what happened’. Though there are good ‘stories’ to be told, our emphasis is not solely on material for factual recall. We aim not only to encourage the asking of the question ‘why’ but also work to develop powers of analysis. We seek to develop the ability to understand complexity, or how factors interact to determine the course of events. We also challenge pupils to address issues of interpretation and problems of evaluation. For example, we encourage understanding of what ‘evidence’ is and awareness of its varying usefulness and reliability, and also impress on pupils the need to compare sources, to match them against other knowledge and to ask whether the evidence is representative and verifiable or even ‘what does it actually mean?’
We aim to:
- ENERGISE
History lessons are ‘fun’: we aim to be lively, exciting and dynamic. We try to ensure that both our love of the subject and a sense of humour show through! - ENLIGHTEN
History lessons aim to be interesting and relevant to today’s world: we aim to highlight the skills pupils are developing; we make links to contemporary events and encourage pupils to deploy their general knowledge and wider understanding in getting to grips with past times. - ENABLE
In History lessons expectations are high: discipline is firm but fair, a strong work ethic is developed and rewarded, with pupils challenged to produce clear and well-organised written work. Individuals should have a real sense of progress and development both in skills (including ‘thinking powers’) and in the acquisition of knowledge and understanding. - ENCOURAGE
History classrooms are positive places to come to: we aim to be affirmative, to cultivate a relaxed atmosphere, to build positive relationships and to demonstrate sensitivity in handling individuals.
Clubs
The department runs the History Society, Sixth Form History Film Club, Middle School History Film Club and Lower School History Club.
Further Information
Further information about the history department curriculum can be found in the curriculum documents available for download on the main curriculum page.