History
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Welcome to the History Department
We are situated in the Humanities block and all History lessons are taught in Specialist classrooms with interactive whiteboards.
The History department is a lively place consisting of Miss Dalton, Mr Bottrill, Mr Horley and our Specialist TA, Mrs Allen.
The History Department is a successful department with results well above the national average
Staff Profiles
Miss Dalton – Head of History and Gifted and Talented Coordinator
I studied History at King’s College London and graduated with a BA Hons. I became a teacher because I wanted a career that stretched me
intellectually and enabled me to interact with people, I haven’t been let down and I’m enjoying the challenge more than I could have
imagined. I trained at the University of Cambridge where I have completed my Masters in Education this year. I help out with the Duke
of Edinburgh award at the school and coordinate Gifted and Talented programmes across the school.
Mr Horley – Head of Humanities
I studied History at the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne and graduated with a BA II.I, followed by a year’s research into ‘British
Diplomatic History in the 1930s’. I entered teaching, firstly in Wolverhampton and then in Huntingdon before coming here as Head of
Humanities. I also have an MBA in Church Administration.
Mr Bottrill – Teacher of History
After studying History and Politics at Manchester Metropolitan University and graduating in 1990 with a BA Hons degree, I worked as a
journalist and writer for various publications over many years, and also held editorial positions. I decided to become a teacher because
I wanted a career change that would offer fresh challenges. I therefore trained at Cambridge University and am currently enjoying the task
of raising pupils’ historical skills.
Mrs Allen - Specialist Teaching Assistant
GCSE @ Cromwell - Why Choose History GCSE?
Through the study of history, you will gain vital key skills such as: problem solving, analysis of evidence, empathy
and teamwork. These skills are essential, not only for history and other subjects in school, but for any career you may
wish to pursue in the future. Choosing history at GCSE will provide you with plenty of opportunities for further progression.
At AS/A Level, in colleges and universities, history is a very relevant subject. For example, many professions such as medicine
and law feel that history opens the minds of students. Therefore, history can gain you entry into a wide range of careers, including
television, radio, journalism, the police force, social work and the civil service. The subject is taught through a range of sources,
including video & ICT as well as giving you the opportunity to enhance your understanding of these issues by taking part in student
conferences. The course is now modular so by the end of Year 10 50% of your course might be completed!
The topics you will study over the 2 year course are:
- Crime and Punishment Through Time, including Capital Punishment and Prisons!
- Riots and rebellions through time, including the Suffragettes and the General Strike
- Germany 1918-1945 including the Weimar Republic and the Rise of the Nazis
- America 1945-70 including the Civil Rights Movement and the Assassination of JFK
"The only thing new in this world is the History you don't know" - Harry S. Truman
A Level @ Cromwell - Why Choose History A-Level?
The best reason for taking a history course is that the past fascinates you and you enjoy studying it.
Studying History is fun. History combines the excitement of exploration and discovery with the sense of reward born
of successfully confronting and making sense of complex and challenging problems. The purpose of historical inquiry
is not simply to present facts but to search for an interpretation of the past. Historians attempt to find patterns
and establish meaning through the study of evidence. One advantage of studying History is that it is a broad subject.
Students can go on to university and then specialise in a range of subject areas, from the History of Art to transport history.
History complements other subjects. It provides skills and understanding that will always be valuable in any career.
The study of History has a civilising influence on our society. It is the source of our political, social and ethical ideals.
Hopefully students at Greenhead who study History will enjoy the fascination of people, patterns and change in the past.
Trips & Visits
Trips and visits form an important part of History studies at Cromwell.
This year students in Year 7 have visited Castle Acre and Castle Rising, Ely Cathedral and Have visited and taken part
in the Chatteris Medieval Festival.
Year 8 students have visited Hampton Court Palace, taken part in a residential visit to the Black Country Museum and
Liverpool’s International Museum of Slavery.
Year 9 Students have taken part in the Battlefields Residential visit.
Year 10 Students visit the Galleries of Justice as part of their Crime and Punishment Course and both Year 10 and 11
students are offered the opportunity to attend the week long residential to Berlin and Krakow.
Year 12/13 We hope to set up a residential trip to Russia or America to explore further some of the issues raised in the
A-Level course.