
History
We aim to provide students with a perspective on the present through studying the past.
History at City
History provides a unique opportunity to understand the motivations of individuals, and how this has influenced the world in which we live.
Why study History at City?
There has rarely been a more important time to understand the complex background to the issues driving our world. We aim to foster a passion for, and understanding of, the past. Our topics are wide-ranging which reflects the enormous diversity the subject offers. Our lessons are stimulating and interactive, with a focus on using evidence to promote discussion and debate.
We encourage students to select, organise, analyse and evaluate various sources of evidence, and thereby to construct effective arguments which encompass an awareness of different interpretations. The subject provides opportunities for a wide range of trips, both domestic and international, in order to support and enrich the curriculum.
There is also a range of opportunities for pupils to get involved with throughout the year and we often join other humanities subjects for key events. We have a Lower School History Society for years 7-8 that is driven by the interests of the pupils. In the club ‘History Matters’ for years 9-11, pupils hold in-depth discussions on topics outside the curriculum. Recent examples include The Hundred Years' War, Arab-Israeli Conflict and Ireland 1500-present day. For Sixth Formers, there is a history book group that meets once a half term to discuss a book and the larger themes at play, in addition to an enrichment programme. Sixth Form students also lead on a variety of assemblies and activities and invite speakers in. We strongly encourage our pupils to pursue their particular interests, resulting in a co-curricular programme that varies widely from one year to the next.
Our Staff
Curriculum

"History in the sixth form is more exciting than ever. The scope of your knowledge will increase by leaps and bounds over the two years. Class discussions become more in depth and homework doesn't feel like such a chore when you're engaged in what you're studying."
Beyond the curriculum
There is at least one trip for each year group in years 7 - 9. Our central location often enables us to take the girls out for afternoon visits which are less disruptive to the curriculum. KS3 trips each year are typically organised to the Tower of London, The Docklands Museum of London, the Imperial War Museum and the Black Country Living Museum. We also run a number of overseas trips to the Battlefields of Belgium and northern France for year 9, and Berlin for year 10-11. In the past we have visited Moscow and St Petersburg; Washington and New York; Budapest, Vienna and Prague; and Istanbul for year 12-13.

CLSG named in the top five independent schools in the UK by The Sunday Times
4 December 2023
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We are delighted to have been named in the top 5 independent schools in the UK by @thetimes Parent Power Schools Guide 2024. This recognition is a reflection of the outstanding achievements of both our students and staff this year. We're very proud! #ParentPower
Read moreOur latest tweet
24 November 2023
Year 12 mathematicians had a great trip to the maths in action conference last week. Topics covered included Fermat's last theorem and transforming mobius strips, how MRI scanners function & how numbers determine which musical notes sound good together.
