Bellemoor School | Southampton

History is one of the most popular subjects at Bellemoor, and received an outstanding report from the Ofsted inspection.  Here at Bellemoor we pride ourselves in creative focused learning, using many different teaching techniques thereby providing a high level of learning in a dynamic and exciting classroom environment.  The Curriculum provided is both informed and of great interest, with something for all.  Naturally boys want to learn all the gory stuff but within the department this is only part of the whole plan. The great thing about history here is what is taught and learnt can change every year. So much so, that by the time a pupil reaches year 11, he complains, 'I never had the chance so do that, all we did was....'.

We may be a small Department but we have a great staff and big ideas.

Although we have to teach certain periods of history, we in the History Department always have the pupils learning at heart, we also have our own interests and this combination is where the creation of Bellemoor History is unique. Our Key Stage 3 Curriculum, adapts and changes depending on what the pupils talk about in the previous year and we make changes as long as this continues. For example, in 2005 Year 7 will study Greeks but in 2005-2006 this will combine with Romans to become Ancient Civilizations. Year 8 will study Slavery this year, but next year could find it part of 'Black Peoples of America'.Year  9 studies have been radically adapted in the last 3 years but next year will be almost totally recreated, as we have purchased 2 new core text book studies. Much of the KS3 syllabus utlizes ICT and the only Interactive Whiteboard in the School and we encourage more and more production of ICT based work from the pupils. It is great that we can teach using PowerPoint lessons designed by our own past and present pupils, believe me, they are that good!

As from September 2005, GCSE History is undergoing a change, not an adaptation, more like an upheaval. Not only do we study Modern World History,with which we have made enourmous leaps forward (60& A*-C and 100% pass grades in 2004), we will introduce a brand new course as well. Not one, but two seperate GCSE courses to choose from. The new Course is based on SHP (Schools History Project) and introduces The American West (some of this is done in Year 8) and Crime and Punishment Through Time (great Citizenship here). Also there is no barrier from any pupil gaining a recognised certification in either syllabus. Well time to Go, don't forget to keep checking the history area for lessons, Schemes of Work and links to home study.

by Mr S. Goldring (Head of History)