History

The Removes & Fifths

History is offered in two of the four option blocks. It has been a popular choice because of its accessibility. Those taking History in Block 1 will have five periods per cycle. Those choosing the subject in Block 4 will have four periods per cycle. There will be three preps per cycle in either case.

The Remove and Fifth Form course is designed to provide a continuum of development from the Shell year and we therefore study a Modern World History course. As in the Shell year the boys are exposed to a wide variety of source material and we are keen to show that History is necessarily a subject of judgement and debate. A major emphasis is placed on developing the critical skills necessary to evaluate all possible types of source material. Equally important however, is developing their ability to construct a logical argument supported by relevant evidence in written work.

During the two-year course two outline studies, two in depth studies and two coursework units will be studied. The scheme of assessment comprises two written papers and a coursework component.

The topics covered range from the history of the USA 1941-1980; the Vietnam War; South Africa under Apartheid; Russia 1910-1924; India 1900-1949; the Arab-Israeli problem 1948-1994, and the USSR 1928-1991. Coursework topics are the Suez Crisis 1956, and Northern Ireland in the 1960s.

A fascinating and varied introduction to historical, political and economic issues is provided by this successful course.