Overview

History is a widely respected qualification for careers such as Law, Accountancy, the Civil Service, the Army, Journalism and Teaching. Apart from its intrinsically broad academic and cultural values, it provides a training in handling and assessing evidence and in presenting clear, substantiated argument and analysis, which is an asset whatever career option is chosen.

Syllabus

Third Form

History in the Third Form provides a grounding in some of the big movements that have shaped the world, covering the issues of the Reformation, Renaissance, and the French Revolution, whilst providing an understanding of the key techniques required for further study at GCSE.

GCSE

The GCSE course follows the OCR Modern World Syllabus. Fourth Form includes an overview of International Relations 1919-39 and an in-depth study of Britain 1900-18. Fifth Form starts with the coursework element (worth 25%) on the Arab-Israeli Conflict, followed by a study of Russia 1900-1941.

Sixth Form Study:

History is very often taken in combination with English, Economics, a Modern Language, Latin or Geography; it also combines well with Mathematics and Biology. The combination of History and Ancient History is not accepted by some Scottish Universities - consult House Staff for further information.

Preferably a B grade at GCSE or Standard Grade is required for those who choose A Level History. However equivalent grades in other arts subjects will also serve as qualification for those who wish to take up History in the Sixth Form. At AS and through to A2 it is perfectly possible, after consultation, to take up History without any previous qualification in the subject.

AS Level:

The new style AS Level will commence in September 2008, and will involve two modules:

• British History Enquiry (Document-based): The Normans in England 1066-1100.
• European History Period Study (Essay-based): The Crusades and Crusader States 1095-1192.

A2 Level:

The 'old' A2 level will run in 2008-9, and comprises three modules:

• Historical Investigation (Document and essay): either on King John, or Philip II of Spain.
• Historical Themes (Essay-based): Rebellion and Disorder in Tudor England.
• Independent Investigation (Coursework): A 3,000 word essay on a topic of the candidate's choosing.

The 'new' A2 level will be introduced in 2009-10, and will comprise two modules:

• Historical Investigations and Interpretations: Internally assessed and externally moderated coursework. Candidates will produce 2 x 2000 word essays: a task based on interpretations in passages set by OCR and an individual investigation. This will focus on either King John or Philip II of Spain.
• Historical Themes (Essay-based): Rebellion and Disorder in Tudor England.

Staff:

Dr Robin R Mundill MA PhD Dip Ed PGCE FIHGS
(HOD joined 1997)

Robin Mundill formerly taught on supply in Fife and Tayside and then at Christ's Hospital, Horsham where with his wife he also ran a Girls' Boarding House, Coleridge B. His PhD thesis took him a very long time as he was a slow but methodical learner and his book England's Jewish Solution was published in 1998 by CUP (Paperback edition 2003). He has delivered lectures on Medieval Anglo-Jewish History in the Universities of Edinburgh, Oxford, Cambridge, Southampton, UCL, Cornell, Trier, Glasgow, St Andrews and at the International Medieval Congress at the University of Leeds 2002. He was consultant for Timewatch All the King's Jews (1990) and has advised on the Jewish Journey Radio 4 and even has a footnote in Schama's A History of England. He joined Coll in 1997. In the guise of Mr History he is also appearing in Prep Schools to enthuse even younger pupils.

Mr Duncan Brett MA PGCE
(joined 2001)

Duncan Brett completed his MA (Hons) History degree at St. Andrews in 1999 and then spent a year working in public relations before embarking on a PGCE course at Leeds University. He joined Coll in Michaelmas 2001, and has a particular interest in the Crusades, the 'Cult of the Saints' and Mediaeval history in general.

Mr Alexander Norton BA Cert Ed Cert TEFL
(joined 2001)

Sandy is also in charge of the Moncrieff Centre, the Careers Department and also takes care of anything to do with Cricket. When not fielding (literally) all kinds of things his special historical interests are Inter war Poland, 19th Century Britain and Italy and of course BRITISH Gibraltar. He has a keen interest in all ball games except what he describes as being "the tall game" (ie Basketball).

News and Events:

The History Department runs the Gladstone Society which aims to broaden pupils' interest in, and experience of history, beyond the confines of the syllabus, and to deepen understanding of the topics covered in the classroom. The Gladstone Society runs regular lectures from university professors, recently including Professor Robert Bartlett and Professor William Naphy.

The Gladstone Society also encourages pupils to strengthen their skills in historical research, and the freedom to pursue individual interests, by offering prizes each year for both Junior and Senior essays.