History at John Spence
Why is History important?
History is, quite simply, the study of mankind. History can show mankind off at its very best through a study of individuals who have changed the world (Oscar Schindler, Martin Luther King, Gandhi), through those occasions where the few have stood against seemingly unstoppable rising tides of evil and said “No more”. History can also highlight the very worst of mankind through events of such horror and inhumanity that they can barely be believed. It is vital to know that certain terrible events must never be repeated. On a more mundane level, current world events can be understood much better through knowledge of their historical backgrounds; how much better can our students understand the events in Iraq after studying the birth of Islam and the Crusades? Historians learn to probe and question, to never take things at face value, to reason, to argue, to debate; to understand that things are rarely black and white and that situations are always complex.
What topics are taught?
- Year 7: The Romans, Medieval Realms
- Year 8 : Islamic Empires, Tudors and Stuarts, the Civil War
- Year 9: The Industrial Revolution, The British Empire, The Twentieth Century
- GCSE: The American West, The History of Medicine. Coursework: Warkworth Castle, Modern China
Activities and visits
Year 7 field trip. This has been a half day trip to Prudhoe castle in the past. In 2008, we plan a day long visit, organised jointly with Geography. The destination is still under discussion.
In 2008, 60 Year 9 students will be participating in a Japan Experience Day, jointly with Geography. During the course of the day they will experience Japanese food and culture as well as learning about the atomic weapons in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Year 10 field trip to Warkworth castle to facilitate the production of coursework.
The History department consists of:
- Mrs Karen Yellowley subject leader
- Mr James Griggs
- Mr Kirby Lynn
- Mrs Barabara Lewis
