History > Key Stage 3

The Future is History

The following questions must be among the most frequently asked both in school and at parents' evenings: 'I like history but what use is it?', 'What jobs can you get with a history qualification other than teaching?' and the catch all of 'What is the point of History?'

Those familiar with the job market and those who have gained qualifications in history will tell you that, in fact, History is a well respected qualification among employers who value the skills learnt while studying the subject. In addition to gaining a broader 'world view', History students are able to develop their skills of analysis, a methodical approach to problem solving and the ability to present a reasoned argument.

As with any subject more is to be gained by studying to a higher level but G.C.S.E. History alone teaches students to communicate clearly, describe, explain, analyse and interpret information drawn from a wide range of sources. As these are added to a host of other skills and an incrased understanding of other people and cultures it becomes easy to understand how a wide range of opportunities can be opened up though the study of History. Indeed this is borne out by the most popular career choices of History graduates which are listed in order of popularity; administration and management, teaching, buying and selling, advertising, banking and law.

Yet in global terms the importance of History can be seen to transcend the world of employment. The subject is not a confined academic discipline; rather it looks at our attempts to make sense of the people, world and problems around us. Whether we are trying to understand the continuing threat of Nazism, America's dominance in world affairs or the growing poverty of the world's most vulnerable, it is only by studying the past that we will ever truly understand the major issues and problems facing us today.

The subject encourages progressive thought and an awareness of the society in which we live. In turn we can consider our roles within society and our ability to contribute to – and indeed alter – it. Above all, it is to be hoped that History can serve a key role in fulfilling the wishes of the American High School Principal who hands out the following letter to new teachers when they start at his school:

Dear Teacher,

I am a survivor of a concentration camp. My eyes saw what no man should witness: gas chambers built by learned engineers. Children poisoned by educated physicians. Infants killed by trained nurses. Women and babies shot and buried by high school and college graduates.

So I am suspicious of education. My request is; help your students become human. Your efforts must never produce learned monsters, skilled pyschopaths, educated Eichmans. Reading, writing and arithmatic are important only if they serve to make our children more human.

Page written and designed by J Reeve, 2006.