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It has been a truly exceptional year for the Channing History Department — one marked by academic excellence, unforgettable trips, stimulating events and the kind of historical inquiry that reminds us all why we teach and study the past.
We began the academic year on a high, celebrating our best ever public exam results in August 2024. An outstanding 91% of GCSE students achieved grades 9–7, while 94% of A Level students secured A–B*. These results are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students and the passion and expertise of our teaching staff. We are confident that the results to come this summer will match, if not exceed, these achievements.
Beyond the classroom, the department has continued to provide rich, real-world historical experiences. Notably, we ran two GCSE trips to Berlin, allowing students to engage directly with the sites and stories that underpin their studies of Germany and superpower relations. These immersive experiences not only reinforced classroom learning but deepened students’ historical understanding and empathy.
In February 2025, our students journeyed through the American South, tracing the footsteps of Dr Martin Luther King Jr from Atlanta to Selma and Montgomery. The trip concluded with a cultural celebration in New Orleans during Mardi Gras, blending historical insight with vibrant modern tradition. It was an unforgettable experience that brought the Civil Rights Movement vividly to life.
Our Year 9s visited the WWI battlefields of Belgium and France, where students reflected on the human cost of war amidst the haunting tranquillity of cemeteries and memorials. Meanwhile, Ms Feeney led Year 7 on their first historical adventure to Mountfitchet Castle, where they explored medieval life through a hands-on, interactive experience.
The department also played host to an inspiring programme of lectures and debates. We were honoured to welcome Professor Susan Doran, whose talk on Elizabethan England captivated students and staff alike. We also launched the first annual Tracy Borman Lecture, with a compelling session on Thomas Cromwell, attended by students across all year groups.
A particular highlight was Ms Devine’s thoughtful and probing interview with journalist and historian Sathnam Sanghera on his acclaimed book Empireland. The conversation explored how Britain’s imperial past continues to shape its present, encouraging students to think critically about national narratives and the importance of confronting complex histories. It was a powerful reminder of why learning, questioning and broadening our perspectives is essential in the study of history. Huge thanks go to Ms Kung for organising this wonderful History partnership event.
Another major highlight was the History Conference on Empire, organised by the ever-energetic Ms Kung with the aid of several Year 11 students. The plenary session, delivered by Mr Raine and renowned international lawyer and historian Philippe Sands, centred on The Lost Colony and provoked thoughtful discussion on the legacy of empire in today’s world.
Intellectual energy continued outside the classroom with a series of lively debates between the GCSE and A Level History Clubs, ending in a well-earned draw. These sessions have become a firm fixture in the department calendar, promoting critical thinking, confidence and extended learning.
None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the tireless efforts of our exceptional team. Ms Tomback, Ms Kung, Ms Feeney, Ms Devine and Mr Martini-Phillips have each contributed enormously to the department’s success this year.
As we close the book on this year in Channing History, we do so with immense pride and great excitement for what lies ahead.