THE HISTORY DEPARTMENT

History is no longer a content-loaded subject that emphasises the memorisation of facts and dates. The focus has changed and today we hope to teach learners various skills such as how to obtain information from and to evaluate sources, to analyse, and interpret information, to develop an independent line of argument when writing an essay, to appreciate and see events in history from different points of view.

In order to stimulate an interest in the subject we go on outings to places such as the Voortrekker Monument, the Apartheid Museum and the Mapungubwe Museum. In 2008 we are planning to take the Matrics on an excursion to Soweto in order for them to assist them in completing their heritage assignments. Whenever the opportunity arises we take our learners to talks at the University or attend presentations at the various embassies.

The following topics are studied at the different levels in History:

Grade Eight:

At this level we have Social Sciences (History) twice a week and cover the following themes:

  • The French Revolution
  • The Industrial Revolution
  • Colonisation
  • World War One

Grade Nine:

The Grade 9's have History five times in a two week cycle. They cover the following themes:

  • The Treaty of Versailles
  • League of Nations
  • Aspects of World War Two
  • Formation of the United Nations
  • Genocide
  • Cold War
  • Apartheid

Grade Ten:

The focus at this level is on the world between 1450 and 1850. Consequently the following topics are covered:

  • Kingdoms in 1450.
  • Colonisation
  • Slavery
  • The French Revolution
  • American War of Independence
  • Industrial Revolution
  • South Africa (1750 to 1850)

Grade Eleven:

At this level the focus is on the world between 1850 and 1994. The following topics are covered:

  • Imperialism
  • Responses to Colonialism in Africa
  • Communism in Russia
  • The Great Depression in the USA
  • The Facist economies of Italy and Germany
  • Social Darwinism
  • Nazi Germany
  • Afican Nationalism
  • The radicalization of Pan-Africanism
  • Segregation in South Africa
  • Resistance to Apartheid

Grade Twelve:

At this level the following themes are covered:

  • Cold War
  • Uhuru in Africa
  • Civil Rights Movement in the USA
  • The Collapse of the USSR in 1989.
  • How South Africa emerged as a Democracy
  • Globalisation

While the study of History is not a requirement for any undergraduate degree, it is definitely a great advantage to take History to Matric if one is planning a career in journalism, law, archaeology, political science, the diplomatic corps, or teaching. In addition the study of History helps produce a well-rounded person who can hold her own in any discussion on current affairs.

"Misunderstanding of the present is the inevitable consequence of ignorance of the past." - Marc Bloch.