The History Department

"The value of History is that it teaches us what man has done and thus what man is.” R. G. Collingwood

History is the study of the human experience through the ages, through which we can better understand what it is to be human. To learn about individuals and societies in the past is to gain a greater insight into the potential of men and women to be both creative and destructive.

History at Kingswood is taught by experienced specialists who are passionate about the subject. Students cover a range of periods throughout Years 7-9, from the Norman Conquest in Year 7 to the Second World War in Year 9. History is a very popular option at both GCSE and A Level, and public examination results are excellent. Every year a number of students go on to take the subject at leading universities.

History at Kingswood is not confined to the classroom. An annual excursion to Caerphilly and Chepstow Castles complements work on medieval castles undertaken in Year 7 and, for students in Year 8, aspects of the Industrial Revolution are brought to life by visiting the award-winning SS Great Britain in Bristol.

Trips to the First World War Battlefields (Year 9), Berlin (GCSE) and Russia have also proved to be very popular in recent years. In the Sixth Form, the History Society provides a forum for debate and discussion of wider historical issues, as well as an opportunity to attend presentations from visiting speakers.