Subjects: Humanities (History; Geography; Classics; Philosophy)

Geography 

Geography is one of those subjects which provides sixth formers with a mature and informed outlook on the world. Geographers tend to be well informed and to impress people in conversation or interviews with their appreciation and deeper understanding of current issues and events occurring in the world around them. The courses are taught by experienced specialist teachers with specialism in the fields of river hydrology, climatology and developmental studies. We are passionate about our subject and enjoy running fieldtrips to explore the real world, including foreign trips to places like Iceland.

Students taking geography are alter to issues facing the world around them. They are inquisitive and questioning, rarely taking things at face value. They are analytical and enjoy making new discoveries and learning about people and places.

Students learning IB and A level geography go onto a wide range of studies. Many focus on geography and environmental studies. Some focus on specific areas such as marine biology or climatology. Others go for a wide range of other subjects ranging from English to Medicine.

AS/ A level / IB

Geography is a popular option at A level and IB. Many of the original and simplistic assumptions are now questioned and re-examined. For example does global warming really exist, what is the evidence for it and how reliable is it? We take a questioning approach and encourage you to be inquisitive and to think in new and innovative ways. There is an emphasis on your independence in learning. You will read around the topics and show originality in your ideas. It is a chance to express your opinions on issues and think outside the box.

The courses look at how climate is changing and what we can do about it. We study the impacts of natural hazards such as volcanoes and earthquakes. We study the causes and impacts of flooding in contrasting places and understand how organisations such as the Environment Agency try to protect us from floods. The human geography topics look at how the countryside, towns and cities have changed and the impacts on people living in them. It also considers different views about the impacts of immigration on different areas. We also study how inequalities have developed in the world and look at how countries can develop. We also consider the important idea of sustainable development and major issues facing countries like food and water resources.

Our world is becoming increasingly globalised and geography will give you understanding which will prepare you for this. We are so closely interconnected with other places around the world. Your futures are likely to take you to many of these places, for work and pleasure, and IB geography will equip you with the ability to exceed your dreams in an international world.  

History

The History Department consists of three specialists, all with considerable experience of both British and international education and with continuing research interests. As a result a wide choice of courses is offered and these will be taught not only with scholarship but also with passion and enthusiasm. The Sixth Form Centre has a dedicated History area, well stocked with texts and many other resources. A seminar approach allows discussion, debate and stimulus for independent thinking. You will be able to use your own writing tablet and this will assist greatly in drafting and refining written responses to assignments. In this way precise language skills will be honed, to allow critical analysis of sources and essay style to be perfected. Field trips to underpin classroom learning will be provided, for example visits to the National Portrait Gallery, guided tours of the Palace of Westminster and the Foreign Office.

 We are looking for a student who is intent on being educated in the fullest sense of the word. We will provide the opportunity for you to learn to think independently, organise your ideas, analyse problems and reach informed decisions. The study of History is intellectually demanding so students need to relish the challenge of grappling with complex texts and stimulating ideas. Close reading and precision of thought are vital, as is a willingness to work hard.

History is a highly respected academic subject, welcomed by admissions tutors at universities. Many departments, such as medicine, politics, psychology and law, value the skills imparted by Sixth Form historical study. A wide range of professions also call on those well trained in highlighting significance, making valuable connections and reaching sound conclusions.

The Department offers courses in both A Level and IB studies. The OCR A Level covers both sixteenth century European and nineteenth century British modules. One A2 module consists of coursework assignments and scores 40% of the marks at that level. The IB covers modern world political history and allows a personal investigation to be carried out. Therefore two quite different programmes are on offer. If you choose to study istory at ASHtttHistory at AS level you will study a nineteenth century British social economic and political module as well as a fifteenth/sixteenth century Spanish module. The British document paper involves the study of a range of topics concerning the "Condition of England" question 1815-1853. The examination paper to answer two questions based on five unseen sources. The first question requires a comparison of two sources and the second question broadens the enquiry to consider all of the sources which are evaluated in an essay. The European module examines the emergence of Spain as a great power during the reigns of Ferdinand and Isabella and Charles I.  At A2 level coursework involves a source based investigation of Philip II and there is also an examined study of Tudor foreign policy.

Sixth Form students can alternatively choose IB History at Higher or Standard Level. This will be taught holistically from an international perspective and will aim to explain trends and developments, continuity and change through time, and individual events. The course allows a study of individuals and society in the widest context: political, social, economic, religious, technological and cultural. At both Standard and higher Level you will study inter-war politics, the rise and rule of single party states and the Cold War. Additionally all students will carry out their own Historical Investigation. Higher Level students will also prepare a regional European study of a range of countries from the mid-nineteenth century to the 1990s.

Classics

There are two teachers of Classics in the College: Dr Golder (Head of Classics) and Mrs Prynne.  Both are passionate about striving to keep Classics alive and thriving in the modern world. 

The good student in Latin will like language, whilst also being drawn to the subject through a love of history and literature.  The good student in Classical Civilisation will not want to study the language, but will love the ancient world, including its works of visual art.

In order to do OCR Latin AS and A2 , you will need to have studied Latin at GCSE-level.  You study the Latin language in more depth, being tested by doing translations and comprehensions of ‘unseen' prose pieces.  You also read the set verse and prose texts (e.g. Ovid and Cicero).

Latin is a superb foundation for many careers.  It has been the favourite subject of a broad range of men and women, from Prime Ministers to media figures.  You only need to go down to the centre of Bath to see the attraction the Roman baths still have for thousands of tourists.

In order to do OCR Classical Civilisation AS or A2, you do not need to have studied Latin at GCSE, or even Classical Civilisation.  Although it obviously helps to have done so, the course is designed to appeal to those who want to go deeper and to those who are coming to the subject-matter for the first time. 

Classics can pave the way to many careers.  J. K. Rowling of ‘Harry Potter' fame is steeped in the Classics.  Boris Johnson, the mayor of London (2009) has written books about ancient Rome and its importance for the modern world.

There are two teachers of Classics in the College: Dr Golder (Head of Classics) and Mrs Prynne.  Both are passionate about striving to keep Classics alive and thriving in the modern world. 

The good student in Latin will like language, whilst also being drawn to the subject through a love of history and literature.  The good student in Classical Civilisation will not want to study the language, but will love the ancient world, including its works of visual art.

In order to do OCR Latin AS and A2 , you will need to have studied Latin at GCSE-level.  You study the Latin language in more depth, being tested by doing translations and comprehensions of ‘unseen' prose pieces.  You also read the set verse and prose texts (e.g. Ovid and Cicero).

Latin is a superb foundation for many careers.  It has been the favourite subject of a broad range of men and women, from Prime Ministers to media figures.  You only need to go down to the centre of Bath to see the attraction the Roman baths still have for thousands of tourists.

In order to do OCR Classical Civilisation AS or A2, you do not need to have studied Latin at GCSE, or even Classical Civilisation.  Although it obviously helps to have done so, the course is designed to appeal to those who want to go deeper and to those who are coming to the subject-matter for the first time. 

Classics can pave the way to many careers.  J. K. Rowling of ‘Harry Potter' fame is steeped in the Classics.  Boris Johnson, the mayor of London (2009) has written books about ancient Rome and its importance for the modern world.

Philosophy

In the College we offer both A Level and IB Philosophy. The AS course introduces you to two topics: epistemology (the theory of knowledge) and politics (governance and toleration).  The A2 course builds on this foundation by examining a key theme in philosophy (e.g. moral or political philosophy) and a set text (Plato's ‘Republic').

The IB course is very different.  You can opt for either Standard or Higher Level.  The Higher involves more modules.  Everybody has to study the core theme of ‘What is a human being?' and another theme (e.g. politics or ethics).  Higher students must do yet another theme as well.  Everybody has to take a simple ‘stimulus' (e.g. a picture) and examine what philosophical problems it can involve.  Everybody also studies the set text in Year 13 (Plato's ‘Republic').  Also in Year 13, the Higher students have to prepare to analyse an ‘unseen' philosophical text.

Philosophy is the subject for you if you really value thinking.  You must be ready to have all your preconceived notions about ‘reality' blown out of the water.  Philosophy helps you to think clearly, to questions and to argue logically and coherently.  As such, it prepares you for all types of career (the arts, the law, journalism and politics).

Since philosophy of one kind or another is at the heart of all subjects studied at university, A Level or IB Philosophy are well thought of as qualifications for university entrance.  Former students have gone onto diverse courses: PPE at Oxford, straight Philosophy at King's College, London, and a broad range of philosophy-with-something-else at numerous universities.