The History Department at Notre Dame aims to make the subject exciting, interesting and relevant to all pupils through a wide array of teaching methods including role plays, debates, computer simulations and research tasks.
Vital skills inculcated by History teaching include critical reading, clear thinking and the construction of well-focused, wide-ranging and detailed written answers.
History is taught by passionate subject experts who have specialisms in Medieval, Early Modern and Modern History. The department has a very strong academic record and we encourage all pupils to develop their potential. History is a consistently popular optional subject, attracting highly committed pupils.
The History Department teaches all the pupils through Years 7 to 9 a broad sweep of British History from 1066 to 1918 and ensures an introduction to the skills and understanding required for GCSE. Pupils are stretched with extension activities through our ‘Hungry for More’ scheme which encourages girls to carry out wider reading, watch historical documentaries and visit places of historical interest. The syllabus for GCSE covers more modern history such as Hitler’s foreign policy and the build up to World War Two.
The department offers some fantastic trips at Key Stage Three including an annual visit to Dover Castle in Year 7 and an annual trip to the First World War battlefields in Belgium in Year 9. The bi-annual Berlin trip, which complements the GCSE and A-Level courses, looks at the History of Germany. The packed itinerary incorporates wonderful historical places of interest including the Reichstag, Berlin Wall and Olympic Stadium.
