Year 7 students have been learning about life in Anglo-Saxon England. As part of the festival, they enriched their knowledge and understanding of the role of archaeologists. Inspired by the discoveries made by archaeologists at Sutton Hoo in 1939, students were eager to find out more about how Anglo-Saxon artifacts are found and curated. As a result, students enjoyed watching the Time Team archaeologists excavate an Anglo-Saxon mead hall at Sutton Courtenay. 

Mr Herbert

Associate Assistant Headteacher and Curriculum Leader for History

With over 50 entries from students of all ages, the History Haiku Competition has once again proven to be a celebration of poetry and history. The competition, aiming to encapsulate historical events in the succinct form of haiku, witnessed a wide display of creativity and historical insight from students in all year groups. From ancient civilizations to the modern age, there were poems that vividly painted historical moments in just 17 syllables, showcasing a curiosity and understanding of the past. The judging process has now commenced with the winners announced and prizes will be awarded next week. Thank you to all who have taken part!

Mr Herbert

Associate Assistant Headteacher and Curriculum Leader for History

As part of the festival, Year 9 students participated in a mock trial exploring the 1884 case of R v Dudley and Stephens. The defendants were accused of cannibalism after becoming shipwrecked in the Atlantic Ocean. After 19 days at sea, the captain, Thomas Dudley, convinced two other sailors to kill and eat 17 year old Richard Parker, who had been suffering from the effects of malnutrition and dehydration. Three days later, the crew were rescued and brought back to England. On their return they were charged and found guilty of murder, despite public opinion being sympathetic to the famished sailors. The Year 9 students enjoyed learning about the case and the difference between moral and legal arguments, the importance of the use of evidence in criminal cases and how to construct a convincing defence and prosecution. Hopefully it will have inspired students to see how the study of history can lead to a career in law. 

Mr Herbert

Associate Assistant Headteacher and Curriculum Leader for History

On Friday 11th October, all Year 7 students were treated to a visit to one of our country’s most impressive medieval castles. Life in medieval England is an important component of the Year 7 history curriculum and the students’ understanding of castles and castle life was enriched through their exploration of the impressive historic site. Students were also able to learn more about ‘hawking’ and birds of prey. ‘Hawking’ was one of medieval nobility’s favourite pastimes. In addition, students were given a fascinating talk on the use of medieval trebuchets in attacking and defending castles. The students will certainly be able to use their newly acquired knowledge and understanding of castles and castle life in lessons later in the year. A big thank you to all of the staff who gave up their time to help supervise the trip.

Mr Herbert

Associate Assistant Headteacher and Curriculum Leader for History

The History Department are running the annual History Haiku competition during the Languages and Literature Festival in October. Last year, there were some fantastic entries on a diverse range of topics, including the events of 1066, the reign of the Tudors, the sinking of the Titanic and the First and Second World Wars. Here are some examples of previous entries:

They are changing us

Normans forcing us to build

Their castles of wood 

Waiting in the lines

Trapped by the German forces

But then came the boats 

Mr Herbert

Curriculum Leader for History

Black History Month takes place during the month of October each year. This year’s theme is ‘Reclaiming Narratives’. Cherron Inko-Tariah MBE from Black History Month UK describes the theme: “In today’s world, stories are powerful tools that shape how we understand our past, present, and future. For too long, the history of Black communities has been told through lenses that often misrepresent, oversimplify, or entirely overlook the rich and diverse experiences of those who lived it but 2024 is set to be a transformative year.”

If you would like to know more about Black History Month, visit: www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk.

Other resources can be found in our History Department Library. An excellent book  is ‘Diver’s Daughter’ by Patrice Lawrence.

BBC iPlayer:

Black and British a Forgotten History: Black and British: A Forgotten History – BBC iPlayer

Our Black History Heroes: Our Black History Heroes – BBC iPlayer

Horrible Histories – Series 9: Black British History Horrible Histories – Series 9: 1. British Black History – BBC iPlayer

Lots more can be found on the BBC Teach Website – Black History Month 2024 resources – BBC Teach

Mr Herbert

Curriculum Leader for History

The History Department Library has lots of historic fiction and non-fiction for you to borrow. Titles include winners and nominees from the Historical Association’s ‘Young Quills’ awards, such as ‘Race to the Frozen North’ by Catherine Johnson; a story of African American explorer, Matthew Henson and ‘Sky Chasers’ by Emma Carroll which is a story about the flight of the first hot air balloon in Paris. Feel free to browse the titles in the library and if you spot one that you would like to borrow, please see Mr Herbert or Mr Bretherton.

Mr Herbert

Curriculum Leader for History

Ancient Rome Club begins this term for Year 8 and 9 students. This is in anticipation of the incredible history trip to Rome and Naples that 40 students are participating in during February. We currently have three museum loan boxes to enjoy, which includes replica Roman artefacts and clothing. If you are interested in finding out what it is like to wear a Roman toga, come to Ancient Rome Club on Tuesday lunchtimes in room 37.

Mr Herbert

Curriculum Leader for History

The annual year 7 ‘Model History Competition’ has once again revealed the incredible creativity and imagination of our students. Submissions to the competition included castles, a Tudor house, a Viking longboat and a gruesome Ruth Ellis inspired model. However, the winners of the competition were:

1st Prize – Evie S for her outstanding model of the sinking of the Titanic

2nd Prize – Violet C for a superb model of Stonehenge.

3rd Prize – Niamh C for an excellent working model of a trebuchet.

If you would like to have a closer look at these superb history models, please come to room 37!

Mr Herbert

Associate Assistant Headteacher and Curriculum Leader for History