History
There are three members of staff within the department. Mr C Fothergill BA MA Ed (GCSE, ‘A’ level European History, 'A' level English History and Classical Civilisation)
Mr C Pohl BA HED (‘A’ level Document and Themes)
Mr R Womersley B Ed (GCSE and Classical Civilisation)
Mr R O'Sullivan BA (St Philip House)
St Philip House
Two lessons are allocated per week for History. In Form I they study the “Medieval Realms” and in Form II the “Making of the United Kingdom”. We accomplish a balance between both the National Curriculum and Common Entrance requirements. Some candidates in Form II are prepared for scholarships, which are held towards the end of the academic year.
Form III
Here again two lessons per week are allocated. Pupils study the First World War, which is an aspect of the GCSE syllabus both in OCR Paper II and for course work. Without an understanding of the First World War much of the remainder of the GCSE Syllabus is hard to follow. Boys are introduced to historical source material at an early stage and increasingly nurtured in their skills of analysis. The objective analysis of sources is a critical skill at GCSE and beyond.
GCSE
Prior to the IV Form boys are permitted to decide whether to continue with the subject. On average about 60 boys opt for history, which is a significant proportion of the year group. The lesson allocation per week now goes up to four. The basis for study is the OCR. Modern History syllabus, with Germany 1919-1945 as an in-depth area therein. Course work is dealt with during the Michaelmas term of the fifth form year, encompassing three reviews and detailed source analysis on America 1919-1939.
A Level
In the Lower VI boys are prepared for the OCR AS Syllabus. Eight lessons are allocated per week, shared between a module on Nazi Germany (source analysis) and Europe and England of the Early Modern Period (outline papers). In European History they concentrate on Charles V and Warfare whereas in English History boysare instructed in the period of Disraeli's leadership. Those who want to continue the subject as A2 level, and very few drop out at this point, concentrate on other aspects of the Early Modern Period (Philip II and the Changing Nature of Warfare 1792 - 1918). A significant aspect of the A2 course is the independent investigation, for which boys are encouraged to explore a topic of choice from pre-20th century history. With this assignment, boys will be required to reach a personal conclusion based upon historical evidence.
Classical Civilisation
Boys study the "Age of Cicero", "The Augustan Principate" and "The Iliad" in AS, gearing themselves for exams and an independent study. At A2 the formula remains but the topics switch to "The Persian Wars", "Roman Architecture" and "Roman Britain".
Each member of the department has his own classroom within a newly constructed teaching complex. Additionally, there is a Humanities Room, which supplements the School library and is equipped with a range of historical texts and journals, a computer and printer. The Junior History Society is a flourishing society for pupils in Forms III and IV and aims to enlighten boys about matters of a historical nature. Skills of presentation and analysis are also nurtured at fortnightly meetings.
The Oratory History Department prides itself on being a competent, high-performance departtment in which pupils are expertly prepared for examination success.
Carl Pohl BA HED
Head of History