Why everyone should study History

Why Everyone Should Study History

Year 9 students around the world will soon face one of their first significant life decisions: selecting their (I)GCSE option subjects. Generally, most students are required to take Mathematics, English, and a combination of the sciences as core subjects. However, it’s after these that the real excitement begins. In Western parlance, it becomes a contest, as various subjects compete to attract students to their disciplines. Traditional subjects such as Geography, Languages, ICT, and Design Technology vie for attention alongside newer offerings like Business Studies, Sociology, Psychology, and Media Studies. This author isn’t ashamed to admit to occasionally assuming the role of ‘trash talker-in-chief’ when students consider choosing another subject over History. Terms like ‘Starbucks Studies’ and ‘Dream Studies’ may or may not have been used to describe some of the aforementioned subjects. Taking a hard-nosed approach, the survival of a subject in a school is very much a numbers game. While every subject has merit, this article will outline why every student should study History, at least until the age of 16.

1. Understanding the Past to Inform the Present

History helps us make sense of current events by providing context. A recent PRESC article on the rise of the far right (https://www.presctutoring.com/blog/the-rise-of-the-far-right/) highlighted several reasons why populist governments are prevailing globally. A quick look at the 1920s and 1930s—specifically the breakdown of international organizations and the rise of nationalism and the nation-state—mirrors what we see in 2025. The failures of the League of Nations in the 1930s are akin to the weaknesses of the UN today. The rampant nationalism and denial of civil liberties under leaders like Hitler, Mussolini, and Stalin can easily be swapped with names like Erdoğan, Orbán, and Maduro.

The very first letter of PRESC is “Political.” In every History department I’ve ever led, I’ve insisted that all students, regardless of age, be exposed to political ideology and its background. Why? Politics is the framework within which societies operate, addressing fundamental questions about power, justice, and governance. Understanding politics is not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about empowerment. It enables individuals to engage actively in shaping the world around them. Whether at the local or global level, political awareness fosters informed, responsible, and active participation in society.

2. Skill Development

History encourages analytical skills by requiring the evaluation of evidence, interpretations, and sources. It promotes effective communication, enhances creativity, encourages problem-solving, and leads to better decision-making. Using the old American metaphor of “if I had a nickel every time” a parent or child asked, “What can I do with History except be a teacher?” I’d probably be halfway to retirement. I always reply that while Maths and Physics are the "alpha" subjects on the technical side of the curriculum, History stands above all as the "alpha" on the arts side. A student who has excelled in History will have a skill set that is in demand across nearly every industry worldwide. Furthermore, because History is often considered “hard” and involves a lot of writing, those who succeed in it can wear it as a badge of honour, showing they possess a strong work ethic and determination, traits that are invaluable in today’s economy.

3. The Beauty of Knowledge

"The highest form of ignorance is when you reject something you don't know." — Wayne Dyer

This quote echoes the sentiment that growth, maturity, and wisdom come from embracing knowledge and understanding, rather than remaining in ignorance. Knowledge broadens horizons, deepens understanding, and enhances appreciation of the world. It fosters curiosity and wonder, adding depth and meaning to life. Pursuing knowledge for its own sake is about more than practicality; it’s about embracing the joy of discovery, the challenge of inquiry, and the richness of human understanding. It elevates individuals, fuels progress, and cultivates a society that values thoughtfulness, creativity, and the pursuit of truth. As Albert Einstein said, "The pursuit of knowledge for its own sake is one of the noblest and most satisfying of all human activities."