The History Department at Stouffville District Secondary School encourages students to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to become responsible citizens and informed participants in a Canadian context. The courses offered in this discipline will contribute significantly to students understanding of their the social, cultural, governmental and economic structures and relationships which have influenced the development of Canada and the world. Using Historical Thinking Concepts, students will learn how to think like a Historian... and be better equipped as life long learners.
Opportunities
The History Award
This award is given annually at the Commencement ceremony. It goes to the graduating student pursuing university studies in History or a related subject who did well in at least two grade 12 History Department courses and demonstrates a genuine love of History. Students write an essay to apply for this $500 award, and the winning entrant is selected by the History Department teachers..
Mock Trial
Students of grade 11 and grade 12 Law courses offered in our department participate each semester in a Mock Trial that takes place in the school library.
Teachers:
Department Head: R. Butters
D. Turpin
R. Eaton
K. Sale
P. Zimbalatti
Your marks will be updated online through teachassist.
Your teachers maintain their courses at Google classroom.
Future Careers
What do historians do?
Historians ask new questions about the past and answer old questions when considering new evidence or perspectives. The study of history teaches us to think critically about the past and how it is similar and/or different from the present. It reveals how the past influences the present and how it is recalled and remembered or sometimes changed or forgotten.
Historians are thoughtful, skilled people! They understand the historical significance of events and people , use primary and secondary evidence, identify themes of continuity and change over time, take historical perspectives and determine the moral dimensions and implications of historical interpretations. Historians also demonstrate the skills necessary for success in a wide range of occupations – critical thinking, careful reading, accurate researching, analytical writing, and effective communication.
Employers want people who:
- Are good problem solvers (in history you question and discuss events and issues)
- Communicate well (in history you describe, interpret and communicate findings about historical events, personalities and themes)
- Work well in teams (in history you work collaboratively with a strong emphasis on understanding and respecting the opinions and beliefs of others)
- Work without supervision (in history you conduct independent research into historical events and problem solve independently)
- Are organized and are able to organize (in history you conduct research, and organize evidence with purpose)
- Can use computers and technology effectively (in history you use computers to conduct research, keep track of information, find interesting and innovative ways to present information, and problem solve)
- Think critically and act logically (in history you evaluate historical situations, solve problems, and make decisions based on evidence)
Career Paths in History
- Diplomat
- Lawyer
- Librarian
- Civil Servant
- Journalist
- Manager
- Teacher
- Writer
- Land Claims Researcher
- Economist, Tour Guide
- Genalogist
- Legal Assistant
- Police Officer
- Political Aide
- Community Planner
- Politician
- Documentary Film Maker
- International Aid
- Archivist
- Museum Curator
- Heritage Conservation Officer
- CSIS Agent
- Lobbyist
- Archeologist
- Psychologist
- Human Resources