During History lessons at the Maynard we hope that our students will develop their knowledge of and fascination with the events and people of the past, be informed about the present and become prepared for the future.

“We have nothing to fear but fear itself”. “You must be the change you want to see”.
Maynard History students will have the chance to find out who said these words, in what circumstances and, most importantly, formulate their own ideas and responses to the events and people behind inspirational statements like these.

At Key Stage 3 (years 7– 9) the History course covers key topics in British History from 1066 to 1945. In addition, topics in European and World History are also studied in order to help our students gain an appreciation of how the world has developed in the way that it has and the debates that have arisen from, for example, the slave trade, total war and the development of nuclear weapons.

History is taught using a wide variety of approaches including the study of historical sources such as cartoons, photographs and films as well as written sources, role play, group presentations and essay writing.

The GCSE History course focuses on 20th century world History and builds on the skills developed at Key Stage 3. Discussion and the development of skills in formulating informed historical judgements are vital parts of the course.

At A Level the development of analytical arguments is a key part of the students’ learning. A range of topics including Civil Rights in the USA, Life in Stalin’s Russia and Germany from the Kaiser to 1945 are studied as well as an individual assignment on an event or individual of the student’s own choice. The skills gained through the study of history are important for a wide variety of university courses and careers. Perhaps most important of all is through the study of History we aim to see in all our students an increased understanding of the world we live in today and an appreciation of the choices facing us all about the future.

Mrs P Wilks, Head of History