History

History Masterclass

History Masterclass has been particularly useful for both filling in those embarrassing gaps in everyone’s knowledge of world history, and for enriching understanding of topics covered in the curriculum. For instance, through presentations on the Medieval Papacy, Revolutionary-era America and the Partition of India, I have learnt about subjects in great detail from incredibly passionate fellow students. The lectures on the Greek Civil War or Communist China have helped me both consolidate and contextualise topics done in lessons, but with more focus. Not only is the history studied so varied, but the perspectives and interpretations of the history is as well. This variety extends from the lectures to question time, where there is always lively yet friendly debate. All in all, History Masterclass has been a place for fascinating study and discussion!

Ines Mubgar-Spencer, Year 11

Year 8 Trip to Hampton Court

On Monday 22nd January, Year 8 embarked on our history trip to Hampton Court Palace, with the aim of applying our historical knowledge gained from studying the UK between 1500 and 1700, such as the Reformation and the English Civil War. We also took part in a workshop, where each table was given an artefact and a sheet to write about when we thought this was from as well as what we thought it was. As well as the workshop, we also had a look around the palace: we saw the formal areas including the room of the Privy Council. On the way to this room we also analysed what and who each waiting room would accommodate. We then went to the chapel and on the way saw ‘The Field of the Cloth of Gold’ (a painting, c.1545) that we later discussed in the workshop. This was a very fun and memorable day for all of Year 8!

History Day

On 7th June, the History department held their first annual History Day. The History Representatives gave an assembly on historical events that changed the world, from the creation of the East India Company to the Arab Revolt. There was also a dress-up challenge with favourite historical figures - a highlight being a group of teachers dressing as WWII evacuees. At lunchtime, there was a historical speech competition, and the winner was Mr Smith, who gave a dramatic rendition of Cicero’s ‘In Catalinam,’ calling for Catiline’s death for treason in both English and Latin (Catiline was artfully portrayed by Mr Pepper). History day was great fun, and hopefully it will return in future years!

Elizabeth Down, Year 12

Extract from ‘Was the 1918 extension of the franchise the most significant moment in British democratic history?’

To me, democracy means having free and fair elections and therefore having a government chosen by the people, and where the government has the actual power.

The answer is in one of the periods of history that is considerably underrepresented in history lessons at school: the Glorious Revolution, when William and Mary became the rulers of Britain. More specifically, the 1689 English Bill of Rights.

The Bill of Rights is the cornerstone of modern British democracy. It established that Parliament was sovereign in Britain, and it gave Parliament an unprecedented amount of power - the monarch could no longer suspend laws or levy taxes without parliament.

Most important for British democracy was the passing of free elections into law and the right to petition the king.

Without the 1689 Bill of Rights, the 1918 Representation of the People act could not have happened, and democracy would not exist as we know it. In fact, it can be argued that the 1689 Bill of Rights is the most significant moment in British democratic history. Importantly, this bill represents a shift in the foundations of government in Britain. This was the first time that it become clear that Parliament was the dominant governing body in Britain, not the monarch. The psyche of the British people shifted to consider this the best form of government - in other words, democracy overtook monarchy.

Elizabeth Down, Year 12

Berlin is not only historically fascinating but also a gorgeous modern city. Berliners are unafraid to educate people about their past, by erecting museums, art galleries and modern art installations across East and West Berlin. Our trips through these public areas were haunting, and reading the stories in the locations where they happened was more touching than reading from a textbook will ever be. The most moving experience of the trip was the guided tour around a nearby concentration camp, and seeing just an iota of what the inmates suffered.

However, the trip was not all so despondent, as we often enjoyed walking through the city in the evening, observing the beautiful lights. We even visited and had tours around both the Reichstag and the Fernsehturm. It was a riveting trip, despite being emotional at times, and I definitely recommend future year groups take advantage of the offer.

Zoe Milionis, Year 10

On 10th May, History A level students were lucky enough to welcome William Doyle, the world renowned British historian, to our school. Doyle is a Professor of History at Bristol University and a Fellow of the British Academy, specialising in 18th-century France. He gave us an inspired and insightful lecture on the impact of Napoleon on the direction and gains of the French Revolution. He was an eloquent speaker and was keen to answer every question we had about this complex section of the History A level Course.

Leena Van Surell, Year 12

National Archives Trip

Earlier this term in Year 7 spent the day in Kew on a trip jointly organised by the History and Biology Departments. They spent the morning at the National Archives where they took part in a workshop focusing on the skills involved in studying primary sources. They looked at a variety of documents, including a copy of the Domesday Book, as well as artefacts such as seals and tally sticks.

Mrs Cramner What is your version of an ideal weekend?

A: Night out in the town with the crew. B: Reading political philosophy. C: Making scientific discoveries. D: Commissioning a statue of myself. E: Persecuting protestants.

Where is your ideal holiday?

A: Ibiza B: Exile in Switzerland C: Paris D: St. Helena E: Tower of London

What is your dream job?

A: DJ B: Lawyer C: Research scientist D: Admiral in the Navy E: Dogsitter

What is your favourite colour?

A: Yellow B: Crimson red C: Green D: Blue E: Blood red

What is your spirit animal?

A: King Charles Spaniels. B: Cats C: Grey squirrells D: Mule E: Hunting Dog

Results:

If you mostly got A, you are: King Charles II, fun loving and love a good party! However, you have a complicated relationship with your father.

If you mostly got B, you are: Lenin, never afraid to take direct action and fight for what you think is right! It probably will not go wrong!

If you mostly got C, you are: Benjamin Franklin, intelligent and curious, but still like to have a good time! What a multitasker.

If you mostly got D, you are: Napoleon, projecting confidence and everyone wants to be you. However, whenever things go wrong, you always know how to make a comeback.

If you mostly got E, you are: Queen Mary I, with dogged determination to stick with your convictons, you never let anyone get in your way. Consider trying something new like tomato juice.