History and Politics

The History and Politics Department believes in an exciting, enjoyable and interactive approach to the study of both subjects. We believe that History is the most interesting subject that is taught in schools and that pupils should enjoy their lessons. This joy of learning is reflected in the high up-take of History at GCSE, with over two-thirds of the year choosing to study it and the same proportion of those going onto A Level History. Government and Politics is an increasingly popular A Level, with numbers doubling in two years! Both subjects enable pupils to learn and practise the skills of analysis, evaluation, synthesis and formal written English.

The girls are provided with many opportunities to extend their understanding and knowledge of History and Government and Politics outside of the classroom. The Department runs many trips, including: Sulgrave Manor for Year 7; the Black Country Museum for Year 8; Ypres, Belgium for Year 9; Duxford Imperial War Museum for Year 10; the Secret Nuclear Bunker for Year 11; the National Archives for Year 12; Berlin for Year 13; in addition to trips for Government and Politics students to Parliament and the Royal Courts of Justice and Washington DC. Year 12 History students also run a weekly History club for lower school pupils.

History and Government and Politics students frequently go on to study these subjects at university, including Oxford and Cambridge. Another common career path is law or management. Previous students have undertaken work experience with the London Assembly, London Mayor's Office and House of Lords.