2025 -2026 Highlights: History

From the battlefields of Flanders to the Tudor court, from Cold War debate to global conflict, this has been a year in which Channing historians have embraced every opportunity to encounter the past in new and challenging ways.

That spirit of enquiry has been exemplified by our examination cohorts. Congratulations to our 20 Year 13 students, who completed their A Levels after two years of remarkable commitment, and every good wish to our 76 GCSE historians as they await their results. We are immensely proud of everything they have achieved.

Their enthusiasm has been matched by a vibrant programme of activities beyond the classroom, where history has become something to debate as well as study. Student societies have flourished, whether tracing the origins of humanity alongside Geography in Origins Club, grappling with historiography in Pursuit of History, or debating Gorbachev’s role in the collapse of the Soviet Union in History Girls.

These conversations were enriched further by an exceptional programme of visiting speakers. Dr Lisa Pine explored everyday life in Nazi Germany, Tracy Borman unravelled the rivalries of the Tudor court, Al Murray joined Headmistress Lindsey Hughes to debate why girls should study the Second World War, and Tim Marshall demonstrated how physical geography and history combine to shape global politics. Together, they challenged students to think critically, question familiar narratives and view the past from fresh perspectives.

That same ambition reached its peak in January at the Channing History Conference on Global Conflicts. Hearing from leading historians encouraged students to look beyond Europe and inspired a new international focus within our Year 9 curriculum, introducing enquiries into the Partition of India and the Korean War. It was especially gratifying to see these ideas embraced so enthusiastically in the inaugural Year 9 History Journal, where students stepped confidently into the role of historians, producing original research on topics ranging from the Crusades to the Vietnam War.

Of course, some of the year’s most powerful lessons took place beyond the classroom. Year 7 travelled back to Norman England at Mountfitchet Castle, while Year 12 discovered that the wives of Henry VIII still inspire lively debates about historical interpretation during a visit to Six in the West End. Yet it was our Year 9 journey to the battlefields of Belgium and France that left perhaps the deepest impression. Standing among the endless headstones of Tyne Cot, descending into the tunnels at Vimy Ridge and attending the haunting Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate transformed the First World War from a topic of study into an experience of remembrance. Anoushka and Arya represented the school with quiet dignity as they laid a wreath on behalf of the Channing community—a poignant reminder that history is not only about understanding the past but also about honouring those who lived it.

As another successful year draws to a close, it has been a privilege to watch our students grow not only as historians but as thoughtful young people. Whether questioning long-held interpretations, conducting their own research or standing in quiet reflection at places of remembrance, they have shown that the study of history is about far more than learning what happened. It is about understanding how the past continues to shape our world, and we look forward to seeing where that curiosity leads them next.

Year 9 Battlefields Trip to Belgium and France

At the start of May, our Year 9 students took part in an unforgettable three-day visit to the battlefields of Belgium and France, combining historical learning with plenty of fun along the way.

Despite a very early departure from Channing, energy and enthusiasm were high from the outset. Excellent progress on the journey meant the group caught an earlier ferry than expected, allowing everyone to enjoy a cooked breakfast before a characteristically windy crossing of the English Channel. From there, students embarked on an immersive journey through some of the most significant sites of the First World War, including the Flanders Fields Museum, Tyne Cot Cemetery, Beaumont-Hamel, the Thiepval Memorial, Lochnagar Crater, and the impressive Vimy Ridge memorial and tunnels.

Throughout the trip, students engaged thoughtfully with the stories of those who lived, fought and died during the conflict. Walking through preserved trenches, standing among rows of headstones and exploring historic battlefields brought their studies vividly to life, providing a powerful insight into the realities of war and remembrance.

One of the most moving moments came during the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres. Congratulations to Anoushka and Arya, who represented the school with great dignity as they laid a wreath during this poignant act of remembrance.

There was also time to relax and enjoy each other’s company, with lively games of table tennis, air hockey and football helping to create lasting memories and strengthen friendships.

Many thanks to Mr Raine, Ms Lindsey, Mr Gunning, Mr Martin, Ms Benns, Ms Kronk, Ms Kanmwaa and Ms Peters for accompanying the trip and helping to make it such a memorable and enriching experience for all the girls.