History
Truth is stranger than fiction and that is why History tells so many fascinating stories. It is, above all, a subject that is about people: wonderful people, terrible people, great people, ordinary people and all the people in between.
In their lessons at Caterham School, History is brought to life by the teachers’ genuine passion for their subject. Pupils develop the skills of critical thinking, incisive analysis, effective oral and written argument, reading between the lines, essay writing and much, much more. History is not a dry series of dates and events (though they do matter), but rather an ongoing process of investigation, analysis, selection and debate. It is this process which inspires inquisitive, challenging and analytical minds to pursue the subject up the school and beyond.
Every year, a significant number of students go on to study History or related subjects at universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, and the department provides regular enrichment opportunities to push forward the historical thinking of those with the desire and drive to really challenge themselves.
Clio, the Caterham School History Society, runs every week and is supplemented by cinema and theatre trips, half-termly prizes, social events, and external speakers from major universities on a range of fascinating topics.
History is a vibrant and growing subject within the school and the department are remarked upon for their enthusiasm and passion.
A truly remarkable number of History graduates have gone on to become the movers and shakers of modern-day Britain… With a History degree you can aspire to be Prime Minister, press baron and media mogul, overlord of the BBC, ‘the most famous lawyer in the land’, Archbishop of Canterbury, top spook, leading diplomat, police chief, Oxbridge chancellor and vice-chancellor, England footballer and football manager, or chairman of the richest football club in the world, famous comedian or celebrated pop musician, bestselling novelist, trade union boss, business millionaire and perhaps even one day monarch of the realm.
Professor David Nicholls
Biographies
Danu Fenton BA (Hons), Teacher of History
Dr Ashley Garber, (PhD), History & Politics, Oxon
Stephen Hosking BA (Hons) Southampton, PGCE (Buckingham), Head of History.
Ceri Jones, MA (Cantab), MEd – Headmaster
Nick Mills BA (Hons) Liverpool, PGCE (London), Teacher of History, Head of Viney House
Tom Phillips (MA) Head of Politics, Teacher of History
Rob Salem BA (Hons) (Oxon.), PGCE (London), MA (London), Senior Teacher Academic, Teacher of History, Vice-President of Caterham School Debating Society
Matthew Wood BA (Hons) Oxon, Teacher of History, Deputy Head (Admissions)
Beyond the Classroom
Clio – the Sixth Form society for history enrichment
Theatre trips
Local History project
Essay competitions
Upper Sixth Revision Road Trip
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