History and Politics

At St. Helen’s, all girls study History in Years 7, 8 and 9 with the subject being a popular choice at GCSE. In the Sixth Form, we offer Early Modern or Modern History at AS/A2 level and girls can also choose to study A level Government and Politics. Both History and Politics are offered as options within the International Baccalaureate.

History
The History Department is committed to teaching the ‘skills’ of History to enhance knowledge and understanding of historical developments. We encourage girls to be open-minded and to be willing to consider and question alternative viewpoints when examining interpretations of past events.

In Years 7-9, girls follow a course based on the National Curriculum Programmes of Study and girls learn the disciplinary skills of history alongside developments of the past. Visits are an essential part of the curriculum and recent trips have included: a visit to Warwick Castle in Year 7; a trip to the Black Country Living Museum in Year 8 to complement the study of Britain’s industrialisation; and, in Year 9, a one-day site visit to the Ypres Battlefields to enhance the study of World War 1.

At GCSE, girls study Modern European & World History, with students achieving excellent results: in 2007, 86% of girls achieved an A* or A grade. The course provides an interesting introduction to countries and events which helped to shape the modern world. Topics studied include the Russian Revolution, Nazi Germany, The USA 1941-1980 and Superpower Relations 1945-1990.

At A level, students can choose between Early Modern or Modern History. At A2 level, students are given the opportunity to research a historical controversy in an area that is of particular interest to them. History is a popular option in the Sixth Form and girls achieve excellent results.

History at IB has also proved to be a popular choice at St. Helen’s. The structure of the IB course enables girls to get a broad perspective of the modern world, requiring them to consider change and continuity not only over time but also between global regions. It is very much the study of History from an international perspective.

Politics
The study of Politics embraces the study of government – the institutions of government, how government is organised, how governments are elected and the rightful limits of power that a government can exercise over its citizens.

Politics is offered in the Sixth Form for both AS/A2 level and the International Baccalaureate. At AS level, the focus is on contemporary British politics whilst A2 level focuses on contemporary American politics and the comparison between American and British politics. Students also have the opportunity to write a 2,000 word essay on an area of genuine individual interest. Lessons involve discussion, debate and student participation, enabling girls to develop the skills of structured essay writing and effective presentation of their arguments.

In contrast to A level, the IB course in Political Thought focuses on ideas rather than institutions. The course draws on some of the classic texts of political theory in order to introduce students to a range of political ideas, including freedom, rights, equality, justice and democracy.