Figure 1.--.
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Figure 1.--. |
Prep schools do not place a great emphasis on history, but it is almost always taught. Commonly there will be 1-2 classes weekly. This varies slightly from school to school. often the senior forms are given more history instruction than the juniors. Normally there is a heavy emphasis on local and British history, with some attention to ancient history. The approach to history varies quite a bit from school to school. At some schools the younger children might be presented with a wide range of historical subjects. We notice one school presenting Local and British history, Roman, history, and Egyptian history in separate terms during one year. Greek and Viking history is also commonly addressed. There is commonly some attention to British monarchs. The Tudors and Stuarts are particular favorites. The medieval era is usually studied in some detail which provides an opprtunity to assess more monarchs as well as cultural trends. There may be brief looks at other civiilzations. Teachers can not just lecture to prepschool age children. They love to hear stories, but some teachers are better story tellers than others. Teachers also engage the children with a variety of projects. One great advantage British history teachers have is all the wonderful history sites that are available for field trips. Teachers have sites ranging from the stone age (Stonehenge) to the World War II War Room under Whitehall.
Prep schools do not place a great emphasis on history, but it is almost always taught. Every school has its own individual time table. Commonly there will be 1-2 classes weekly. This varies slightly from school to school, but 1-2 hours is very common. often the senior forms are given more history instruction than the juniors.
The question of how to approach history with younger students is an interesting one. Many children find history dry. This was in part because there was a heavy emphasis on memory work, especially dates. Actually history is a subject that can be made interesting for children, primarily because they love stories. Any of course history is a compendium of often remarable stories, Any teacher with a little imagintion can put together stories that cam leave his young charges spellbown. The trick, of course, in to make sure that historical insights flow from those stories. A fange of projects and activities are also useful at this age. A more difficult challenge is how to introduce the concept of controversy to younger children who are prone to see history in black and white terms.
Normally there is a heavy emphasis on local and British history, with some attention to ancient history. The approach to history varies quite a bit from school to school. At some schools the younger children might be presented with a wide range of historical subjects. We notice one school presenting Local and British history, Roman, history, and Egyptian history in separate terms during one year. Greek and Viking history is also commonly addressed. There is commonly some attention to British monarchs. The Tudors and Stuarts are particular favorites. The medieval era is usually studied in some detail which provides an opprtunity to assess more monarchs as well as cultural trends. There may be brief looks at other civiilzations such as the Aztecs and India. Other topics covered are normally the Civil War, Glorious Revolution, and the Industrial Revolution. Coverage of 20th century history is much more varied.
Teachers can not just lecture to prepschool age children. They love to hear stories, but some teachers are better story tellers than others. Teachers also engage the children with a variety of projects. Here the imagination is the limit. And eperienced teachers has learned what appeals to the children. While just beginning when we visited the schools, the computer and the internet has greatly added to the projects which can be assigned.
Of course Britain itself is a bonanza for hostory teachers. Wonderful field trips are possible.
One great advantage British history teachers have is all the wonderful history sites that are available for field trips. Teachers have sites ranging from the stone age (Stonehenge) to the World War II War Room under Whitehall.
