The department aims to make the learning experience as stimulating as possible by using a wide variety of teaching methods within the classroom. This approach is supplemented by a programme of study visits which has included excursions to Rochester Castle and Cathedral, Hampton Court Palace, the Imperial War Museum, and the Museum of London as well as GCSE and A Level revision workshops.

The GCSE course consists of a detailed study of modern European and world history which focuses on the Russian Revolution, 1910-24, the Soviet Union, 1928-91, Nazi Germany, 1930-39, and the United States, 1941-80 together with a coursework component that explores the developing role of women in Britain between 1900 and 1928.

AS topics include the reign of Henry VII, 1485-1509, Henry VIII and the English Reformation, 1529-47, and Civil Rights in the USA, 1945-68; those at A2 include a survey of the Tudor state, 1485-1603, the ‘mid-Tudor crisis’, 1547-58, and an individual assignment.

Andrew Forrest, Head of History and Politics

Mr Andrew Forrest, MA (Dublin; Oxford)

Andrew Forrest received his undergraduate education at Trinity College, Dublin.  He subsequently read Modern History as a postgraduate student at Exeter College, Oxford where he was appointed Junior Dean and Dean of Degrees whilst researching his doctoral thesis.  His research interests include the social, religious and political history of early modern Europe and the British Isles.  He was appointed to teaching positions at Harrow School and North London Collegiate School before being appointed Head of Department at Queenswood in 2005.