History

Teacher in Charge: Mr Bradley Evelyn

“That [we] do not learn very much from the lessons of history is the most important of all the lessons that History has to teach” - Aldous Huxley

“Study history, study history” – Sir Winston Churchill

WHAT IS HISTORY?

History examines the past so that we can understand the present.  History is a dynamic and exciting research-led discipline that fires students’ curiosity and imagination.

WHY STUDY HISTORY?

One must remember that we are living in tomorrow’s past.  Yes, the future has not happened, but our very actions and decisions shape our future.  This is no different to actions made in the distant past having an impact on our present.  Our world would not be as it is if people did not make certain decisions.  Thus to understand how and why we are, we need to understand where we have come from.  An historian’s job is to understand the events of the past, why they happened the way they did, and its impact on society both in the past and in the present.

History is also fun!  It teems with interesting and exciting (and true) stories, and looks at some of the most psychotic, inspiring and wired people this planet has ever produced.

HISTORY AT ST CATHERINE’S COLLEGE

History is an NCEA accredited subject taught at St Catherine’s College at Level 1 (Year 11), Level 2 (Year 12) and Level 3 (Year 13).  The course focuses on 19th & 20th century history with an emphasis on events which occurred, involved or influenced New Zealand within a global context.

PREREQUISITES FOR HISTORY

To take History students are required to have:

  • To do Level 1, students must have competence in Year 10 Social Studies and English with specific emphasis on reading, writing and essays.
  • To do Level 2, students must have 12 credits or more from Level 1 History including the essay standard (1.5).*
  • To do Level 3, students must have 16 credits or more from Level 2 History including the essay standard (2.5, 2.6)**

*If doing History for the first time at Level 2, students must have Level 1 Literacy and 12 credits or more in Level 1 English.  Students must also have the approval of the TIC of the subject.

**If doing History for the first time at Level 3, students must have Level 1 Literacy and 16 credits or more in Level 2 English.  Students must also have the approval of the TIC of the subject.

Students taking History at all three levels will be required to do large and detailed research and presentation assignments, lots of reading and essay writing.  History is a highly academic course and students will need to be prepared to do a lot of writing, questioning and discussing in class.

STUDENTS TAKING HISTORY WILL LEARN HOW TO:

  • Categorise, with justification, historical events to explain their causes and consequences.
  • Identify and describe different perspectives of historical events
  • Debate historical interpretations
  • Identify, explain and analyse how social, cultural, economic and political forces produce trends over time
  • Engage with the past by asking critical questions and speculating on possible futures.
  • Learn to employ a robust historical methodology of inquiry, analysis and evaluation.
If you like History, you might also like Classical Studies.  To check it out, click HERE.  Or have a look at some useful history sites by clicking the links below.