Q: How many History courses do I have to take?

A: You are required to take Grade 10 Canadian History, where we explore the evolution of Canada over the 20th century from World War One to the present. You are also required to take Civics, which is a half-credit course, also in Grade 10.  After that, you may choose to take another History of Social Science class as an elective credit.  Of course, we would love it if you did!

Q: I like studying (name anything in History!) Do you have any courses about that?

A: Short answer: YES! The great thing about History is that it not only covers many time periods, and countries, but also virtually every field of study in the world! If you’re interested in Ancient History (like the Greeks and the Romans and the Vikings), we offer a course that teaches that! If you’re interested in the United States, or England, or France, we offer a course that teaches that! If you’re interested in knowing more about Indigenous peoples across the world (in Asia, South America, Africa, and right here in Canada), we offer a course in that! And if you don’t really like History, but you really enjoy science, math, art, economics, philosophy, music, well guess what…we offer courses that explore those subjects as well, since the evolution of all of those disciplines is also something we delve into.

Q: Do I have to do a lot of writing and essays in History?

A: Not necessarily.  In History, one of the components is learning how to research a subject using good sources and then argue a thesis or prove an idea correct or incorrect.  However, writing an essay is only one way for you to demonstrate your knowledge. In every History course there are opportunities for you to prove your understanding through art projects, presentations, original creations like poetry or musical compositions, or even timelines or short films!

Q: What are the benefits of taking History?

A: History courses (and a degree in History at University) opens the doors to a wide variety of professions, and prepares students for many successful careers.  Historical training teaches you how to think, analyze, communicate, write, organize and create. History nurtures our curiosity, our openness to new ways of understanding our world, both past and present. As students read, research and write about history, they question taken-for-granted ideas, assess the complexities of social change, dissect evidence and sources, and probe the why, when, and how of human evolution across temporal, spatial and global boundaries. These skills are transferable, and are required if you are to excel in any professional or academic pursuit.

Q: What skills will my child gain from taking a History course? 

A: We concentrate on providing students with critical thinking and communication skills essential in a number of professions.  Students will learn how to analyze information, take a position, and defend that position using credible and reliable evidence.  Additionally, like other humanities and social sciences degrees, History is a passport to many opportunities and careers, especially those involving problem solving, creative intelligence and excellent communication and writing skills.

Q: Do you offer any AP courses at Preston, or similar benefits?

A: Yes, we offer AP exams at Preston.  We have Department members who have acted as Teacher Mentors for American History AP, European History AP, and others.  Students are encouraged to ask Department members about opportunities.

Department Staff

Mr. Elmslie         trevor_elmslie@wrdsb.ca  Department Head

Ms. Hiscott         jacquelyn_hiscott@wrdsb.ca

Ms. Bekendam  amanda_bekendam@wrdsb.ca

Mr. Peters           galen_peters@wrdsb.ca