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Department Reviews

HISTORY AND POLITICS

In recent weeks there has been some discussion in the media about the apparent decline in the numbers of pupils taking History at GCSE. Various articles have suggested that a state school/private school divide is opening up, with History on the slide in state schools while remaining strong in private schools. Whatever the reality of the situation externally, History is doing well here in College and attracting girls in large numbers. Frustratingly, take-up for GCSE next year among the LC3s stands at 99. We would love to break 100 for the first time, so a message to any wavering 3s out there – it’s not too late to change your mind! In the Sixth Form too the situation is very healthy, with enough girls to create seven sets for AS or IB History.

While girls choose their subjects for a wide range of reasons, there is no doubt that they look at exam results as part of their calculations. Once again results for History and also for Politics were excellent in 2008. In fact in Politics all but one of our candidates achieved an A grade!

Starting the IB has been the biggest challenge and the most exciting development undertaken this year and the course is going well, proving enjoyable for both teachers and pupils. Masses of new resources have been developed and the girls have shown themselves to be genuinely independent learners. Many of the IB girls have chosen to do their Extended Essay on a historical topic and so the department is supervising girls on topics as various as the development of Julius Nyerere’s political philosophy in Tanzania or the impact of Charles Darwin’s Origin of Species on thought and culture in Victorian Britain.

As well as launching the IB, we also embarked on new AS Level courses in both History and Politics. The change was most radical in History where we changed exam boards, which has allowed us to teach more coherent courses with a greater range of political, economic, social and cultural history within each course. As with the IB, both teachers and girls are enjoying the variety and challenge.

Perhaps one of the reasons why girls choose to do History at GCSE, is the thought of being able to join the UC trip to Berlin. A group of 40+ girls and 6 staff explored the city in the Easter holidays in bitterly cold weather. A highlight was undoubtedly sheltering in a tram stop deep in the eastern ‘sector’ of the city in a hailstorm but weather apart, the trip was a great success and the girls appreciated the opportunity to put their understanding of pre and post-war Germany into context.

Fortunately most extra-curricular activities in History and Politics tend to take place indoors. This year the History and Politics Societies have had a range of interesting talks. For Politics students, the highlight of the year was probably the lecture by Vince Cable, organised by one of our Sixth formers. In Project Week, all LC2s attended Kew and had an enormously varied day, part of which involved a visit to the newly refurbished and re-opened Kew Palace. We remain committed to providing stimulating experiences like this for all girls in Lower College and for those girls who choose to study History at GCSE level and beyond, as well as Politics at A Level.

News

Vicky Tuck – Telegraph Articles

Vicky Tuck – Telegraph Articles

Please see the links below for the latest Telegraph articles written by Vicky Tuck. 05 February 2010, 11 January 2010, 11 December 2009, 12 November...

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Antarctic Explorer

Antarctic Explorer

On Saturday 27 February Felicity Aston, freelance travel writer and adventurer, delivered a sensational speech to the girls in Year 9. She told us ab...

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RS CONFERENCE

RS CONFERENCE

On Wednesday 3rd February, Cheltenham Ladies’ College held an RS Conference in the Princess Hall. It was based on ethics and morality, a key topic wi...

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Evensong at Coventry Cathedral

Evensong at Coventry Cathedral

On a chilly Saturday in February the College Choir embarked upon a trip to sing Evensong at Coventry Cathedral. Most of us were expecting a tradition...

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Notre Voyage à Paris

Notre Voyage à Paris

Early on Thursday 4th February a group of SFC2 French students set off from Cheltenham for a long weekend in Paris. On arrival in Paris we settled int...

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