History

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Outline of History

History is a subject with a rich and varied content. It is unique in being concerned purely with the people and their lives. As such its value is universal and is not only vocational, although this aspect is also important. History at all levels in the secondary school should be lively, question-posing and thought-provoking. It should also help in the promotion of democratic values and citizenship.

This History department at West Calder High School seeks to achieve the following aims, while at the same time contibuting to the development of the basic skills of literacy and communication.

• To develop pupils knowledge and understanding of the world in which they live and the factors which have helped to shape it. Only by examination the past can pupils discover their heritage as members of a community, a country and the wider world and place themselves and society in a historical context.
• To enable pupils to understand and evaluate change and continuity and cause and effect.
• To foster democratic values among pupils through a willingness to debate issues, and make reasoned judgements based on evidence, to challenge prejudice and bigotry, and to promote a willingness to listen to alternative opinions.
• To promote independent thinking among the pupils by involving them in a range of skills such as investigating issues, evaluating sources, and explaining events.
• To foster among pupils an interest in History which will be lifelong and a continuing source of enjoyment. This may range from enjoyment of books, film, television and radio to more active involvement in community organisations eg local history societies and reminiscence groups.

Thus History seeks to educate pupils in such a way as to increase their understanding of the society in which they live, to help them to make informed decisions about contemporary issues, and so to be fully aware citizens of a democratic society.