History Reading Groups

We explore the people, events and philosophies of the fifteenth to seventeenth centuries, from the time of the Tudor dynasty to the end of the English Republic. We begin by considering why European politics prompted the Armada and how searching for an ideal trade route led to exciting discoveries for both science and geography. There are opportunities to grapple with the theology and follow the cultural developments that have a key role in our understanding of how people lived. As well as broadening our horizons on world history, we take a close look at the English Civil War and how actions then have shaped our monarchy and government today.

Complementing their reading of the core texts, children benefit from guided study of a range of primary sources so that they can learn to confidently engage with the original texts (albeit sometimes in translation!). This includes excerpts from Luther, Calvin, Henry VIII, Machiavelli, Elizabeth I, the Council of Trent and Oliver Cromwell. Alongside this European detail, a range of research projects allows the class to explore topics relating to events, leaders and politics across the globe. In keeping with the Skylarks philosophy regarding the importance of good books, the research projects are designed so that they can be completed offline if preferred.

Homework is expected to take 2½ hours. There is no submitted written work. Students will be encouraged and given guidance on keeping a comprehensive history notebook at home. Recommendations of wider reading and suggestions of optional activities (including handicrafts, recipes and historical fiction books) are also provided for those interested in delving a little deeper into the time period.

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This course takes a deep dive into a turbulent and dramatic period of history that paved the way for the formation of modern Europe. Children partake in class presentations and have the chance to give speeches about some of the major issues. Students encounter different perspectives through the primary source documents, and they are encouraged to actively engage with the arguments through a series of class debates.

Our homework reading of H. A. Guerber's Story of Modern France provides an introduction to the French Revolution and its extraordinary global effects. The class teaching builds upon this background knowledge to support students in examining the root causes and finding out about the people involved. Our second major area for study focuses on developments over the Atlantic as we explore how America became a new nation. We look at the tensions between large and small states, and the clash over slavery. Students read Wilfred McClay's Land of Hope and learn how America faced the challenges of division and expansion, from establishing the Bill of Rights to the California Gold Rush. 

We review scientific and technological advances that followed the Enlightenment, and students have plenty of opportunity to consider how the philosophies of the period shaped questions of morality and faith. Politics, theology, art and geography all have a role in discussion as we consider some of the key events and beliefs.

As with the earlier history groups, there is an emphasis on primary source research and developing independent study skills through guided research projects. This course covers the first half of the teaching material for an IGCSE in History and preparatory work for A-level History. Homework will take approximately 2½ hours (there is no submitted written work).

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Successful completion of Skylarks Age of Revolution is a prerequisite for joining this course.

We begin the course by focusing on Victorian Britain, with a particular interest in exploring the prevalent worldviews, scientific developments and social reforms. Students share in lively debates about foundational issues such as education, politics and industrialisation. We also look at the implications of colonialism and see how this continues to impact international relations today. We then investigate how Italy became a unified nation in the nineteenth century and see how various national endeavours intertwined to shape the continent of modern Europe. 

The course reading continues to follow the American story from The Land of Hope in order to see how major events and worldviews affected both sides of the Atlantic. This allows the students to spot patterns in decisions and expectations at the turn of the 20th century that played a major role in the build up to the First World War. Our study of the war encompasses social as well as political angles to provide a thorough grounding in the origins and course of World War One.

In line with earlier history groups, there is an emphasis on primary source research and developing independent study skills through guided research projects. This course also covers the second half of the teaching material for an IGCSE in History and preparatory work for A-level History. Homework will take approximately 2½ hours (there is no submitted written work). 

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