History Head of Department's Perspective
I am in a very privileged position: QMHS is my past, my present and my future! I first walked through the school gates in 1988 and, 18 years later, I returned to take up the post of Head of History. My return was, in many ways, uncannily smooth. It really was not the odd or disorientating experience that it might have been if QMHS in the twentieth-first century was not living up to its traditions of excellence, inclusion and inspiration. I have very many happy memories of friends, teachers and inspiring times. Now, as a teacher of History, I am thrilled to be working with such dedicated colleagues and such committed and enthusiastic students. History at QMHS is thriving.
On a personal note, I love history because it is part of my identity and the evolution of my world. What happened in the past is an integral part of what is happening now. I am passionate about teaching History because I see every day how my students rise to the challenge of tackling the important issues facing the world. To play a small part in helping our students to develop into thoughtful citizens with critical and balanced views on the world around them is a source of pride and satisfaction to the Department.
History is knowledge and knowledge is power. History combines the excitement of exploration with the sense of reward made by successfully confronting and making sense of complex and challenging problems. In many ways, History helps you make sense of the other subjects that you study. In particular, it is about human behaviour; real people dealing with real situations. Whether we study the actions and impact of Elizabeth I or John Lennon, we try to get to grips with what makes people tick.
“History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again. “
Maya Angelou
Beyond my passion for History as a vital subject for young minds, I also believe that History at GCSE and A Level is a terrific qualification. Universities and employers value the skills that are perfected through the study of the past:
- the ability to produce a succinct argument which is supported by relevant and persuasive evidence
- the ability to evaluate evidence critically to inform a decision
- the ability to theorise and speculate
- the ability to communicate and work cooperatively.
Our future doctors, lawyers, politicians, accountants, managing directors and scientists need these skills. Above all, our students develop an open and inquisitive mind; they become critical thinkers.
“The broad masses of a nation… more readily fall victims to the big lie than the small lie”
Adolf Hitler, Mein Kampf
My time as a pupil at QMHS inspired a life-long love for learning and History, for which I am extremely grateful. I hope I may now do the same for my students.
