History

The History Department in Downside fosters a sense of a living, adapting tradition in continuity with its past, aims to encourage a passion to explore that past and the past more generally. This is done through both the writings of other historians (secondary works) and the material produced by those who are the object of study (primary sources). Pupils will be introduced to the causes and consequences of events that have occurred in the past, typically human decisions. They will be stimulated to develop an enquiring mind and a willingness to think critically and – hopefully – discover an enjoyment in reading and research. The study of History as an academic subject has many benefits. Most obviously, it develops an understanding of the background to our own times and human character. It encourages the skills of synthesis and an analytical approach to information. Above all, it helps pupils to evaluate what they read and to take an objective view of the past: it is part of the search for truth.

At First and Second Form pupils engage with extended enquiries, British and global in scope, that covers the entirety of the medieval period from the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms and ends with the 20^th century. Enquiries include the Norman conquest of England, the development of medieval kingship, the Crusades, and the Reformation, and in 2nd Form the pupils engage with the transatlantic slave trade, the British Empire, and the Industrial Revolution. Throughout these years, the pupils develop a sophisticated understanding of, and ability to apply to the Past, the first-order concepts of Power, Beliefs, and Ordinary Life.

GCSE History covers a broad range of historical periods and topics as part of the Pearson Edexcel qualification. These include the reigns of Richard and John 1189-1216 (medieval), Spain and the ‘New World’ 1490-1555 (early modern), Medicine through Time 1250- present, and Weimar and Nazi Germany 1918-1939 (both modern). GCSE results are consistently excellent, with 76% achieving Grades 9-6 in 2025.

At A Level there is a free choice of coursework topics, but with a specialisation offered on the causes of the French Revolution. The two papers offered are Religious Conflict and the Church in England during the Tudor period, and a study of the United States of America from 1865 to 1975.

This is a former pupil’s reflection on their A Level study:

“I would 100% choose to study history again. It was by far the most enjoyable subject I’ve ever had, and it will take a lot of time to get used to not have it. The lessons were interesting, the content was the same, and therefore the time I spent revising wasn’t wholly a chore. It has been an awesome two years of lessons, and I am so happy that I did choose the subject.

History has definitely shaped my thinking throughout studying, in both the Tudor and America course. It’s molded my thinking and understanding to be much more considered and comparative. The Tudor course gave me a great base of understanding for England today, and was obviously just incredibly interesting, especially in regards to the state of religion in England today. The America course was incredibly interesting, and surprisingly relevant considering the world as of late – in regards to the USA’s prevalence in conflicts everywhere. I’m so thankful that I did choose history at Downside, and I’ll forever be an advocate for it.”

History is a useful, interesting, and intellectually demanding subject among the Humanities, and graduates of History can be found in many different walks of life. At A Level in 2025 results were 75% A*-B, some of the best in the School.

Joshua Huckle
Head of History
JHuckle@downside.co.uk

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