History

 

We encourage students to study history from a modern, international perspective -- putting the lessons of the past into a contemporary context and drawing on the experience of a wide range of different cultures and values to gain a better understanding of the challenges of today's society, in a world that's increasingly globalised and multicultural.

History lessons are taught in an active, engaging way. History thrives at BSB, and is popular at GCSE and A Level. Lessons are taught in a variety of imaginative ways, including role plays, videos, ICT, and visiting local historical sites. We encourage and receive a number of regular guest speakers and have enjoyed presentations and conversations with veterans of World War II, Vietnam, and the Malayan insurgency, as well as a BBC correspondent and a Nato expert on Afghanistan.

Curriculum

Years 7 to 9 follow a British-based Curriculum adapted to the unique needs of our international students. Topics range from Medieval Europe in Year 7 to 20th century history in Year 9, including fascism and communism.

Years 10 and 11 study History at (I)GCSE level and learn about topics such as the Great Depression, the American Civil Rights Movement, the Arab-Israeli conflict, and World War I.

Years 12 and 13 may study History at A Level or as part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. A Level History topics include the French Revolution, Britain and Appeasement, the Cold War, and Decolonisation. The IB follows a similar programme, but also includes a module on China from 1970-1989.

Fieldwork Programme

Field Trips are an important part of the History Curriculum and all Secondary School students are encouraged to participate and gain first-hand knowledge and experience of the historical subjects they study.

In Year 7, students visit the historic town of Leuven as part of their studies on Medieval Europe. Situated close to our campus, Leuven is the ideal place for young students to explore Europe's Medieval history, including the 15th Century St Peter's Church, which contains many relics and artefacts from the Middle Ages.

In Year 9, students visit the museum and the battle fields at Ypres as part of their study into World War I. Four major battles took place around the city in World War 1, and Ypres plays host to a number of museums, as well as cemeteries and preserved battlefields where students can learn more about the nature of war. Ypres is famous for its Menin Gate Memorial, where the Last Post is sounded every night at 20:00.

In Year 10, students go on a two-day visit to London to visit museums and sites connected to World War One. This includes a visit to the Cenotaph and Westminster Abbey as well as to the Imperial War Museum. For the past three years we have also been able to visit the award-winning West End production of War Horse.

Year 12 students taking History either at AS Level or as part of their IB Diploma visit Paris for a day to explore museums and sites connected to the French Revolution, providing greater opportunity for in-depth study of this fascinating but brutal time.