History and Government & Politics
The teaching of History at Warwick School aims to stimulate each boy’s natural interest in the past and improve their understanding of it. In the first three years we cover British history and important world events from 1066 to 1945. The emphasis is on developing an understanding of chronology as well as analytical skills.
Most boys choose to continue with History in Year 10 where we follow the Edexcel IGCSE specification. This involves the study of four important twentieth century topics: the Russian Revolution, Germany 1918-45, The Cold War, and the Arab-Israeli Conflict.
Those students wishing to pursue History at A level study the AQA syllabus. At AS students study the Crusades and the American Revolution. Both these units are examined at the end of year 12. At A2 an Individual Enquiry is undertaken on a historical topic of the student's own choosing. The final module is the study of Britain in the turbulent period1642-89. The emphasis of Sixth Form teaching is upon developing the ability to put forward a point of view in discussion and to present convincing arguments in writing.
The department regularly takes trips abroad to locations such as America, Russia, Poland and the First World War battlefields. There are also thriving Junior and Senior History societies that meet fortnightly.
Government & Politics is an established Sixth Form course, both nationally and within the School. The subject confers an understanding of the workings of the modern state and of contemporary international politics.
The AS level syllabus combines a detailed study of the British Political System including the ideology of the main political parties, the nature and working of the British Constitution, the legal system and the workings of government. There will also be an examination of the impact of membership of the European Union upon British politics and constitutional arrangements.
In the Upper Sixth, boys undertake an investigation of International Affairs since 1945. The issues of the Cold War, the North South divide, of international diplomacy and policing are all addressed. There is no coursework component.
As well as contributing to a full understanding of human affairs, Government & Politics is a recognised foundation for degree courses and careers in Law, Economics, Business Studies, Journalism and, naturally, Politics.
There is an active Politics Society at the School. Many politicians have visited and given thought provoking talks on many political matters.
Head of Department (Government & Politics) - Mr J.N.J Jefferies - jnj@warwickschool.org
Head of Department (History) - Mr C Gibbs - cg@warwickchool.org