History

History is brought alive at Wetherby Preparatory by employing varied teaching techniques: traditional historical enquiry; role-play; visits to places of historical interest and vigorous discussion.

Whilst the curriculum has, as its core, English, and later British, History, our culture is placed within both a European and global context through the study of wider, related themes, for example the Reformation or the ascendancy of European empires.

In Years 3 and 4, boys study a selection of past peoples and themes: the Ancient Greeks, Ancient Egyptians, Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Viking, 16th Century European sea exploration and Aztec culture.

Year 5 sees the boys analysing Britain in the 19th and 20th centuries, including the study of the two World Wars.

In Year 6, the medieval period is covered in more detail, leading to the close study of the Tudors and Stuarts in Years 7 and 8. The latter form the core topics for Common Entrance examination. In these last two years, heightened emphasis is given to the skills required for successful Common Entrance examination, including extended analysis of source material; the writing of sustained, written pieces and independent judgement of topics studied.

Wetherby boys leave our school as able and confident historians, prepared to address with confidence the challenges of History at GCSE level. Whilst due emphasis is placed on interactive, dynamic learning, we unashamedly expect boys to learn factual history and to engage in sustained, academic analysis of complex themes.