History at Meldrum Academy

 

 

History is only a small part of the wider Social Subjects Faculty and as such contributes greatly to the S1 and S2 common courses. 

 

 

In S1 we help to deliver common skills taught through our Introductory Unit and historical input is clear in our units of work on Working and Living in Scotland.

In S2 we deliver more subject specific courses on the topics of Slavery and the Holocaust – building on skills learnt in S1 and in preparation for later certificated courses.

In S3 and S4 we cover a common course at Standard Grade level.  Our topics cover a wide range including Agriculture, Democracy, WW1 and The Rise of the Nazis, although all courses are set between 1830 and 1930.

At Senior level we take a step back in time to give our pupils a varied History programme.  For Higher and Intermediate, we cover the Medieval period and pupils now have the opportunity for some in-depth study.  Pupils are always keen to know more about Medieval warfare and weaponry and      

they can even consider cannibalism!

We are a very active department, often using our knowledge and the skills of others to enhance learning across all subjects.  Pupils can often be seen in class wearing a variety of historical hats to encourage them to think about topics and issues in different ways.  Every year we turn our class rooms into tenements to illustrate Housing conditions in the 19th century.

We have visits every year from our very own WW1 Soldier (Bob Holsman) who delivers talks to all Standard Grade pupils on conditions for WW1 Soldiers on the Front Line.  The talks are very well received by all and ‘Soldier Bob’ is always keen to get everyone involved asking questions and handling artefacts. 

Bob also visits our S2 pupils while they are working on our Holocaust topic.  This time he dresses as a WW2 Officer who has liberated a Concentration Camp.  This is an emotional topic and Bob really brings this to life for pupils and staff.

Taking History out of the class room has always offered pupils the opportunity to see for themselves the changes that Scotland has been through over the last 150 years.  As part of our Unit of work on Scottish Agriculture at Standard Grade level, all History pupils visit Aden Country Park at Mintlaw.  This has proved to be a great day out, letting pupils see for themselves the machinery that would have been used in this area in the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. 

They also get the chance to view housing of the same time period and it is always interesting to see their reactions to a lack of wardrobe space and shared bedrooms!

As part of our regular annual course of work, we always take time to participate in Remembrance Day.  Over the years, we have contributed to the BBC Anniversary celebrations, school assemblies, community events and corridor displays commemorating those who served in the Armed Forces.  This summer, our new S4 pupils had work displayed at Woodhill House to commemorate the Battle of Britain and we have most recently displayed S2 poppies for Remembrance in our Social Subjects corridor.