The History Department
History is taught at Summer Fields for the prime purpose of giving the boys a maximum overview of the subject and providing them with a clear, general map of the past. The course is broadly chronological. The Mynors study the Ancient World. First Forms examine the Dark Ages from the departure of the Romans until the Norman Conquest. This is followed by Aspects of British History 1066 – c1485 in the Second Year. During the next three years, Common Entrance Candidates follow a course of British History from 1485 to c1750. This includes special studies in source material.
Scholarship candidates take a similar path from the Third Form onwards, but the material is handled at a quicker pace and the general approach is more analytical. The emphasis lies on critical discussion rather than narrative outline. As well as the general story, candidates are introduced to elements of the British Constitution and Political System, the French and Russian Revolutions, Current Affairs, the basics of historiography and to a whole range of primary source material. Throughout the course, the elements of knowledge, skills and understanding are stressed.