History

We equip pupils with the knowledge and skills that allow them to develop an awareness of the implications and importance of history and heritage for the individual, the community and wider society. We encourage pupils to understand and use a wide variety of historical skills, to develop informed opinions and to then support them with reasoned arguments based on appropriate knowledge.

What we study in History
In History, we aim to develop a wide overview of the past and to illustrate its relevance to today’s world.

In S1, pupils' horizons are broadened through the development of a range of crucial historical life skills with a focus on heritage sites around the world. In S2, pupils study the significance of the world changing forces of 'Renaissance and Revolution'. Throughout S1 and S2, there are various opportunities for pupils to participate in active learning challenges and to develop their ICT and presentation skills.

In S3 and S4, pupils are currently prepared for Standard Grade History, focusing on a Scottish Unit, an International Co-operation Unit and a People and Power Unit. Standard Grade History is a popular course and our exam results are excellent, with a consistent 100% pass rate at Credit level, and the grade average for Standard Grade History last year being 1.1.

In 2013, we will start presenting pupils for National 5 History which will have a Scottish, British and European element.

In Higher History, pupils develop a variety of key skills for learning, life and work while studying elements of Scottish, British and European history. Again, this is a very popular course in the school and we have had an impressive 100% pass rate in recent years.

In S6, pupils can study Advanced Higher History which focuses on Britain at Peace and War (1939–1951). This is an excellent preparatory course for university, developing a wide range of transferrable learning and life skills through features such as the dissertation. There has been a successful 100% pass rate in this course in recent years.

Beyond the classroom
At Craigholme we encourage girls to learn both in and out of the classroom environment. Here are a few examples of what pupils in the History Department have been involved with in recent years: 

♦ S2 Social Studies trips to the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh Castle and Dynamic Earth.
♦ S4 Social Studies activity days in Glasgow — City Chambers, Kelvingrove, Tenement House, and the People’s Palace — including a role play Suffragette Workshop.
♦ Participation in a Youth Theatre production on the role of the STUC and Equal Pay for Women.
♦ S6 Participation in a model UN conference.
♦ S1/S2 Participation in the History of Parliament competition.
♦ S5/S6 Participation in the RSE Christmas Lecture by Professor Devine.

What our pupils say about History
"History is a very useful and interesting subject. It is good to have knowledge of people and events from the past as it can help you solve day to day problems." Nicole (S2)

"By choosing Advanced Higher History I am learning vital skills for my future education. The analytical essays prepare me well for my degree studies at university. I also find History to be a subject of endless fascination which improves my general knowledge." Clare (S6)

"In History there is always something new and interesting to learn…and I believe that it has been crucial in preparing me for the challenges of university and beyond." Rachael (S6) 

Meet the staff
Mr Arbuckle (Head of History)
Mr Arbuckle is from Angus and graduated with a MA Honours in History, Geography and Contemporary European Studies from Dundee University. Before completing his PGCE at Aberdeen he worked as an SCO within a secure unit for young offenders and served as a volunteer police officer. He has experience of working in a number of schools of varying sizes and in leading working groups for Angus Council. He is a Chartered Teacher, marks for the SQA, reviews resources for SATH and currently serves on the National 5 History Subject Working Group for the SQA. He has been with Craigholme since 2009 as Head of History and is also the school Examination Co-ordinator.

Mr Newham (Teacher of History)
Mr Newham grew up on the south side of Glasgow before studying History at Oxford University, graduating in 1996. He subsequently took his teacher training at Durham University, and has taught in the UK, France and the Far East. This includes 5 years’ teaching in China, in British and American curriculum international schools, an experience which left him with an abiding interest in East Asian History and languages.

Useful links
BBC Bitesize                                          LTS Scotland’s History
BBC learning - History                           School History   
BBC History site                                    Spartacus Education   
SQA