History

History at CHS South gives students the opportunity to understand themselves, their identity, and the world around them. Our lessons encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and a desire to push beyond simple answers, inspiring students to explore the past and its influence on the present and future.

 

Our Intent

Our mission is to foster curiosity, develop critical thinking, and equip students with the tools to question and evaluate the world around them. We want students to leave CHS South with both a strong knowledge of the past and the confidence to apply historical thinking to modern issues.

The History Department aims to:

• Inspire curiosity and a lifelong interest in history.

• Equip students with the skills to research, filter, and prioritise information.

• Provide a framework for questioning sources and evaluating reliability.

• Develop strong oracy, literacy, and critical thinking skills.

• Build cultural understanding and awareness of how past events shape society today.

 

Curriculum Information

Key Stage 3

Year 7 History Year 8 History Year 9 History

Key Stage 4

Year 10 History Year 11 History

 

Why Study History?

Studying History at CHS South develops a wide range of skills:

Critical thinking – asking questions, evaluating sources, and forming balanced judgments.

Research skills – filtering and prioritising information to construct arguments.

Communication – expressing ideas clearly through debate, discussion, and writing.

Cultural awareness – understanding different perspectives, societies, and global events.

Transferable skills – analysis, problem-solving, empathy, and decision-making.

 

Meet the Team

Mr. Goodchild – Curriculum Leader for History

Mr Jameson – Teacher

Miss. Howcutt – Teacher

Ms. Kaur – Teacher

Mr. Wilkinson - Teacher of Humanities

 

Enrichment Opportunities

Students can extend their interest in History through:

• Visits to museums, galleries, and historical sites.

• Debating and history clubs.

• Guest lectures and workshops.

• Research projects and competitions.

• Cross-curricular links with English, Geography, and Politics.

 

How Parents/Carers Can Support at Home

• Discuss past events and how they link to today's world.

• Visit museums, historical sites, or watch history documentaries.

• Encourage reading around key topics being studied in school.

• Use BBC Bitesize History or podcasts to extend knowledge.

• Ask students to explain what they've learned in lessons.

 

Further Study

• A Level History

• A Level Politics, Philosophy & Ethics, or Sociology

• University courses in History, Archaeology, Law, International Relations, or related Humanities subjects

 

Career Links

Law & Justice Solicitor / Barrister Judge Legal Researcher Civil Servant Human Rights Lawyer Police Officer Forensic Investigator	Media & Communication Journalist / Reporter Editor / Publisher Author / Writer Documentary Producer Broadcaster (TV, Radio, Podcasts) Communications Officer Political Speechwriter
Politics & International Relations Politician / Political Advisor Diplomat / Ambassador Policy Analyst Campaign Manager NGO / Charity Worker International Aid Officer Lobbyist	Education & Research History Teacher University Lecturer Archivist Museum Curator Heritage Manager Librarian Research Analyst
Business & Industry Business Consultant Data Analyst Marketing Executive Corporate Strategist Human Resources Manager Project Manager Entrepreneur	Healthcare & Society Doctor (drawing on analytical/ethical skills from history) Psychologist Social Worker Public Health Specialist Community Engagement Officer
Creative & Cultural Sectors Author of Historical Fiction / Non-Fiction Screenwriter / Script Consultant Theatre / Film Researcher Tour Guide or Heritage Interpreter Archivist for Media Companies

In History, we don’t just study the past - we learn how to think critically, challenge assumptions, and understand the complexity of the world we live in today.