History, Politics, Classics and Latin Department
History
The History Department at St. Bede’s offers a fascinating variety of topics and imparts a wide range of marketable skills. Students who study History learn to not just accept what they read, how to use evidence to create and destroy arguments and study the far flung and more recent past to learn lessons for today. If you want to know how the most democratic country in Europe became the darkest dictatorship, discover why the Black Death was good for us, if you are curious about why witches were real and ever wondered who was to blame for starting the World Wars then History is for you.
Politics
Politics is a subject that both unites and divides people: unites in that the issues that are directly relevant to all our lives – like health, education, crime, war and peace, the economy – are key areas for discussion and debate and divides in that there is not always agreement on how to deal with the challenges and questions.
Politics is in essence the study of power: who has it, how it is used and, most importantly, how we control those with power so that they do not abuse it or us. Politics really matters in all our lives as it is the process by which society decides its social, economic and moral priorities.
Classics
The study of Classics is perhaps one of the most wide ranging disciplines, encompassing Language, Literature, Philosophy and History.
The skills developed, especially the necessary attention to detail, the development of memory and communication skills, and the wide ranging experience of other cultures are useful in themselves and are transferable to other disciplines. This is why classicists always do well in the employment market. Most importantly, they are enjoyable subjects to learn!
Classical Civilisation
“He alone seems to live truly and to enjoy his existence who, concentrating on some enterprise, finds a reputation for a distinguished deed or good practice.”
Sallust, Cataline’s War.
The study of Classical Civilisation touches on a varied range of topics from Ancient Philosophy, History and Politics to Religion, Literature and the Arts. It encourages excellence in pupils of all abilities and ensures that entrants to university and the jobs market alike will stand out from the crowd. Delving into such issues as the nature of heroism, the principles of democracy and the qualities of good leadership, our journey through the culture of the ancient world helps students to live truly and enjoy their existence to the full, whilst developing vital skills for academic study and life beyond.
Latin
The study of Latin is perhaps one of the most wide ranging disciplines, encompassing Language, Literature, Philosophy and History.
The skills developed, especially the necessary attention to detail, the development of memory and communication skills, and the wide ranging experience of other cultures are useful in themselves and are transferable to other disciplines. This is why classicists always do well in the employment market. Most importantly, they are enjoyable subjects to learn!
