2016 School Magazine

MODERN HISTORY Modern History in Year 11 has been a fascinating and deeply fulfilling subject that has led us to explore the human intricacies of our modern world. Beginning with ideologies we learned the fundamentals of what has shaped our political environment, culminating with the Cold War. In Term II, revisiting Nazi Germany through a more contestable research angle encouraged us to emulate the historians from whom we so often draw from, and make our own historical conclusions. We then studied the power of the individual through Dr Martin Luther King Jr, and our own choice of greats of the twentieth century. It’s been a truly mind-opening way of seeing the world and understanding what is going on. We live in the present, and through understanding our past we can better shape our future. The work has been challenging, but the reward is immense as we continue to research, write and verbally present our findings each term. ANCIENT HISTORY Ancient History this year has been one of the most influential subjects in shaping my understanding of modern societies across the world, through our studies of ancient civilizations. We began this year by exploring the socio-political climate that led to the collapse of the Roman Republic and the formation of Imperial Rome. Primarily focusing on Julius Caesar, we had access to a range of primary sources that were analysed in depth in order to understand the underlying motivations, thoughts and beliefs of Romans both at the end of the Republic, and well into the Empire. Through our investigations into the Julio-Claudian Emperors, we then continued our studies of the power dynamics within Imperial Rome. Continuing on from the Roman Empire and into the Middle Ages through our studies of the Crusades, we gained an understanding of the Dark Ages and the concepts associated with them. This included an exploration of Medieval Christianity, feudalism and Islam. We concluded the year by delving into the nature of Ancient Chinese society with an inquiry into their views on gender roles. These studies of a variety of Ancient civilizations has ultimately allowed us to have thought- provoking and intellectually stimulating class discussion revolving around the interpretation and analysis of ancient sources. ANASTASIA GEORGIOU (11O)

RIANNA BELL (12M)

JUNIOR HISTORY When I wandered suspiciously into my very first History class, unconvinced by my parents’ dutiful attempts to dissuade my cynicism, I knew what I expected: dates, research, cobwebs.

Distinctly not on that list was that three years later, my classmates and I would have – among other accomplishments – faced the fascinating challenge of curating a digital museum exhibition; adopted the roles of French citizens and barristers (powdered wigs and all) to participate for ourselves in the trial of King Louis XVII; and had the chance to examine the expertise of Hollywood’s History experts, even contributing together to a particular highlight of the unit: the spontaneous standing ovation incited by our entire cohort for a scene in Suffragette (2015) that resonated with every girl there. My experience of History has provided me an invaluable platform for expression and exploration. In understanding how the world of today has been shaped by the past, I’ve also had the privilege of realising how I and the girls around me might shape the world of tomorrow.

ALEXANDRA LAHERTY (10M)

102 / CURRICULUM