History

Sarah Worrall began teaching at Wetherby and Wetherby Preparatory School (English, History and Geography) in January 2008. She became History co-ordinator at Wetherby in September 2008. Her Bachelor of Arts degree was in Sociology and English and she has a Bachelor of Teaching specialising in Middle School, both from the University of Tasmania. She began her teaching career in Tasmania, Australia, teaching English and Studies of Society and Environment. While teaching the history of Australia was far different to teaching history in England, she is well versed in a range of topics from Aboriginal Australia to Britain since the 1930s. Her interests in this subject area have taken her all over the world and she ensures that investigation, research and a ‘hands on', interactive approach are part of teaching History at Wetherby.

Students at Wetherby School are keen explorers of the past; holders of the keys to unlock the treasures of history. Our students are encouraged to take a journey of discovery through ancient cultures and meet influential individuals that shape the present and influence the future.

History at Wetherby is interactive and ‘hands on’. Students are encouraged to investigate, interpret and discover the past through interactive and imaginative activities including the use of story boxes, ICT, assemblies, and excursions and trips that take advantage of London’s museums and historical attractions.

An integrated, cross curricular approach is very highly regarded at Wetherby School, and it is ensured that students have an understanding of the connections between History and other disciplines. Topics throughout each term are closely linked with a number of subjects, in particular Creative Writing and Comprehension, Design and Technology, Art and ICT. Within these topics, students will investigate the people, places and events that make up the stories of the past.

Topics studied in each year group include:

Reception

· Myself and My Family
· Now and Then
· Dinosaurs
· Castles

Year 1

· Romans
· Explorers
· History of London

Year 2

· Victorians
· Egyptians
· Tudors

Year 3

· Ancient Greece
· Britain since the 1930s
· Vikings

History at Wetherby is in line with the National Curriculum, following Key Stages 1 and 2, with the aim of extending the boys’ natural curiosity through research, questioning and the application of their knowledge. Specifically, the boys are assessed on their:

· Chronological understanding
· Knowledge and understanding of events, people and changes  in the past
· Historical interpretation
· Historical enquiry
· Organisation and communication

In Reception, the Early years foundation stage profile is used for assessment and focuses primarily on knowledge and understanding of the world in addition to communication, language and literacy and creative development.

Year 2's trip to Hampton Court Palece, June 2010