What the students are saying
Lachie Bartlett. Historian and Head Boy of the College in 2015. Lachie is completing his study at UC in Law.
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Rahul George. Historian and Head Boy of the College in 2013. Rahul is completing his study in Law and History.
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Henry Wynn-Williams. Historian and old boy of 2016. Henry is studying Law and Political Science at UC.
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Ethan Evans. Historian and old boy of 2018. Ethan is currently studying Law & History at UC.
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Ed Lemon. Historian and old boy of 2018. Ed has begun a degree in Commerce at UC.
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Harry Staples. Historian and Head Boy of the College in 2017. Harry is studying Law at UC.
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Hamish Rossie. Historian and old boy of 2014. Hamish is completing his degree at UC in Law and Political Science.
MYTH BUSTERS
MYTH - History is just all essay writing.
BUST - Incorrect. At each level there is only ONE essay that is required. Though we like to think we improve the writing confidence and ability of students in History, there is very little essay writing and less writing in general than is thought.
MYTH - History is just in a classroom with dusty old text books.
BUST - Nope. Our History program seeks to bring History alive through interactive activities, use of technology and fantastic field trips.
MYTH - History might be interesting but it is pointless for my career.
BUST - Not true. As mentioned above the essential skills covered in History are applicable to just about any career you can think of. Who would not want a doctor that is articulate and able to empathize? Who would not want an individual in marketing that could think critically? Careers such as those in law, politics and journalism are crying out for students skilled in history.
BUST - Incorrect. At each level there is only ONE essay that is required. Though we like to think we improve the writing confidence and ability of students in History, there is very little essay writing and less writing in general than is thought.
MYTH - History is just in a classroom with dusty old text books.
BUST - Nope. Our History program seeks to bring History alive through interactive activities, use of technology and fantastic field trips.
MYTH - History might be interesting but it is pointless for my career.
BUST - Not true. As mentioned above the essential skills covered in History are applicable to just about any career you can think of. Who would not want a doctor that is articulate and able to empathize? Who would not want an individual in marketing that could think critically? Careers such as those in law, politics and journalism are crying out for students skilled in history.
Learning History outside the classroom
Y11 History
The Y11 course has it's focus firmly rooted in conflict. It looks at conflict through time, beginning with an ancient conflict such as the Greco-Persian Wars, moving through time to a Middle Age conflict such as the Battle of Agincourt, then into the Twentieth Century. There is a particular focus on the two world wars. The course allows some flexibility for students to focus on time periods and conflicts that are of most interest to them. Often there will feature a few rounds of the board game Risk as well as Allies and Axis to envelope students in the world wars.
Y12 History
The Y12 course is relatively flexible and driven by student interests. The general theme of the year in 2020 was 'public enemies', where students looked at 911, The War on Terror, The European Witch Hunts and Nazi Germany. The course also includes a two-day trip to Kaikoura and the Marlborough Sounds to study whaling in New Zealand.
Y13 History
The Y13 course covers the 1860's Otago Gold Rush as a significant event in New Zealand history. This includes a three-day field trip to Arrowtown and the Central Otago area where students casn walk over the goldfields, rifle through very old primary sources and try their hand at gold panning. The course also includes an in-depth analysis of the First World War; a conflict unparalleled in sustained horror and long-term impacts. The 1963 assassination of JFK is also analysed. Students are required to evaluate reliability of perspectives and produce their own 'who done it' for this hugely contested event. The course also allows for students to select a significant event to study of their own choice and includes a week of playing the board game Diplomacy. This course is setup to transition students towards tertiary study through lecture-like learning experiences and independent learning.
Why Study History
"Those whom forget the past are doomed to repeat it." - George Santayana
There are many high minded reasons for studying History as a subject. Perhaps none more so than the idea that a greater understanding of the past leads to a better sense of, and ability to respond to, the present. However, History is also a great option because many young men thoroughly enjoy and engage with the content. When engaging content is coupled with the skills historians develop and refine the benefit of taking History is clear. Please take a moment to watch the videos below of ex-students giving their thoughts for why History should be in consideration as an option.
There are many high minded reasons for studying History as a subject. Perhaps none more so than the idea that a greater understanding of the past leads to a better sense of, and ability to respond to, the present. However, History is also a great option because many young men thoroughly enjoy and engage with the content. When engaging content is coupled with the skills historians develop and refine the benefit of taking History is clear. Please take a moment to watch the videos below of ex-students giving their thoughts for why History should be in consideration as an option.
How History can assist young men in their careers
Though there are few career opportunities for becoming a professional historian, the skills developed throughout the study of History will be of universal application for any career path. Key skills developed include;
These skills have utility and are highly desirable in all manner of careers. We do note however that there is a high number of our History students that go on to study Law, Journalism and Political Science - these careers in particular have great need to history students.
- Advanced research skills
- Resource analysis (i.e. strengths and limitations of information)
- Critical thinking and decision-making
- Empathy and understanding different perspectives
- Articulating an argument
- Basic reading and writing
- Self-management
These skills have utility and are highly desirable in all manner of careers. We do note however that there is a high number of our History students that go on to study Law, Journalism and Political Science - these careers in particular have great need to history students.