‘A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on.’

John F Kennedy

The history department at St. Martin’s is one that is currently redeveloping after the arrival of a new subject leader. We aim to explain what impact the past has had on the world we live in today and try to encompass a vast amount of periods and a variety of themes. This provides the students with the sense of history they need to understand the world and themselves better.

History is now a vibrant and ever changing subject that teaches many skills of paramount importance to other subjects and daily life. We use many innovative and exciting techniques to allow history to come to life in the classroom and engage student interest and motivation. In history students will have the opportunity to direct their own research, use computers on a regular basis, work with their peers whilst having the use of the library and their own minds to excel to their full potential.

In addition to this students will be given all the necessary tools to succeed in history, not only at St. Martin’s, but also at GCSE if they desire. Links with other local schools and John Cleveland College has allowed plans to be implemented which will teach students the historically specific skills essential for further historical study i.e. understanding different interpretations in history, analysis and evaluation of historical evidence, considering the causes and consequences of important events whilst also contemplating the significance of these events to history are just some of the fascinating prospects available at St. Martin’s and are assessed formally at least once during each year helping to ensure pupil progress. We also provide a number of opportunities outside of the classroom for the students to access history such as ‘History club’, various school trips and outside visitors.

We always aim to provide a succinct, educated and well rounded curriculum that allows the students to attain their highest potential whilst also finding enjoyment in the subject. History is a subject that can be linked with anything as everything has a history and it is this flexibility that allows history to be a subject with endless possibilities!