History

Success at 13+ Common Entrance is not the result of ‘hot-housing’ boys in a narrow focus on the demands of the exam but rather the happy by-product of a vibrant, varied and thought-provoking whole school curriculum.

Boys at Tower House experience History through interacting with the source material which builds knowledge, confidence and skills through the years. For example, our younger boys investigate the exciting world of ancient civilisations and famous people. When boys move into the Senior School (Year 4) they experience History as a discrete subject, studying the lives of various invading peoples as well as the Ancient Greeks. Much of the learning is via ‘hands on’ activities such as building Roman fighting triremes and recreating the Spartan army’s tactics on the playground!

As boys move up through the school, there is a real emphasis on 'world-building', creating a clear understanding of the past world that isn't necessarily so British-centric. For example, in Year 5, the boys study the Ottoman Empire and Feudal Japan which allows them to have a unique and varied insight into history on a global scale before honing in on the great events of British History in Year 6. The Common Entrance syllabus begins in Year 7, with the Tudors and the Stuarts in Year 8. This curriculum is broad, balanced and increasingly relevant as the boys navigate the choppy waters of world history and placing it in a modern context.

Traditional learning is supported by role play, ‘hot-seating’, discussion and debate. This is all with the aim of helping the boys to deepen their understanding and appreciate different viewpoints and arguments.

Being situated in south-west London, we take full advantage of the historic sites and museums which are only a train or tube ride away. The National Archives (a ten minute drive away!) provides opportunities to handle and investigate authentic historical documents such as village records, historical maps and even a replica mummified rat! Year 7 visit the Tower of London to consolidate their understanding of Tudor religious discord and the Reformation.

At Tower House, History is very much ‘brought to life’.

"Traditional learning is supported by role play, ‘hot-seating’, discussion and debate. This is all with the aim of helping the boys to deepen their understanding and appreciate different viewpoints and arguments"