Study history, study history. In history lies all the secrets of statecraft. Winston Churchill
History at Saint Ambrose College aims to equip our students with the ability to select, collate and analyse information. Students gain an understanding of the causes and consequences of significant events and identify how societies have developed through the centuries.
"Things that we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done." Psalm 78:3-4
The department aims to enthuse our students with a passion for History. The curriculum is designed so that each student develops a wide knowledge and understanding of International and British History. History enables students to produce a well-supported argument, evaluate sources and interpretations of the past. The department also aims to develop a sense of social justice and awareness in our students by allowing them to explore how and why people behaved in the way they did in the past. Our Curriculum is designed so that everyone, regardless of ability or background, can access the curriculum and study positive role models who reflect the cultural diversity of our students.
The department delivers a range of units from the Ancient, Medieval, Modern and Early Modern periods. These topics are delivered, where relevant, in chronological order to help support students understand how societies have changed and where they have stayed the same. Lessons usually focus around key questions to encourage students to think critically about the past and to form their own judgments based on the evidence. The students’ enthusiasm for History is also encouraged through the weekly History Society and through activities such as The Lessons from Auschwitz Programme. These provide opportunities for the students to discuss social, moral and ethical issues. Through the History Curriculum, we provide our students with the ability to understand human nature, to learn from our mistakes and to make more effective decisions about our future.
Career Opportunities
As History is a widely respected discipline, A Level historians are accepted at the best Universities including Oxford and Cambridge. A wide range of professions including Law, Journalism, Accountancy and the Police will recruit History students due to their ability to select, collate and analyse information.
Extra-Curricular Activities
The Saint Ambrose College History Society was established in 2003 and is run by Sixth formers who prepare a weekly programme of presentations. The History Department has a tradition of visiting locations of historical interest in other countries such as Germany (Berlin), Russia (Moscow and St Petersberg), America (Washington) and France (the World War One Battlefields).