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Who? What? When? Where? How? Why? And why not? History is ideal if you’re curious about the past and enjoy doing your own research – which might inspire you to ask new questions. Our debates range much more widely than the exam syllabus and you can always count on lively arguments in history classes. We spend a lot of time analysing sources critically, learning to read between the lines and working out when and how sources can be biased – or even downright wrong.

History is the kind of open-ended subject that suits so many of the girls. It meshes with their other studies at all levels.

Our history curriculum encompasses all the major trends in British history since 1066, plus some aspects of non-British history in Europe, the USA and other areas of the world. We use a broad range of sources to assess the political, economic, social and cultural dimensions of history and every year our A-level conference brings leading academics from the UK and Ireland together with students from many schools studying Anglo-Irish history.

From September 2010, our department will also teach a new A-level course in government and politics, encouraging students to apply the same argumentative and analytical skills to contemporary events. The AS year provides a thorough background to the UK political system and the A2 year, which concentrates on US politics, adds a challenging new dimension to the course.

Of course, sometimes the classroom isn’t the best place to experience our subjects. We organise a wide programme of historical visits, including visits to castles, historic houses, First World War battlefields and French revolutionary sites. Our politics syllabus includes a visit to Parliament and talks from speakers who shape today's politics themselves.

History and politics staff

Head of department

  • Jonathan Bromley BA (Oxon)

Other teaching staff

  • Tim Askew BA (Oxon)
  • Howard Bailes BA (Adelaide), PhD (London)
  • Gemma Caines BA (Cantab), MA (Sussex)
  • Elizabeth Coutts MA (Oxon), MA (London)
  • Thomas Peck BA (Manchester)
  • Amanda Triccas MA (London)
curriculum Facilities