Lichfield Cathedral School

I studied as an undergraduate at the University of Birmingham before winning the Edna Pearson scholarship to undertake research towards the degree of Master of Philosophy in Twentieth Century British History.

While an undergraduate, I was nominated for the J.R. Kendrick Prize and the Vice-Chancellor’s Prize by the Departments of Medieval and Modern History at Birmingham and also received the Firestep Award from the London Branch of the Western Front Association. My teacher training was completed at Newman University College in Birmingham. I have taught History in a variety of comprehensive, grammar and independent schools. I welcome the opportunity to work with the staff and parents of LichfieldCathedral School and hope that I can make a genuine contribution to the intellectual and personal growth of its pupils.

I believe that History plays an essential role in the education of all children. Pupils need to understand the past in order to make sense of the world around them and to appreciate that our present way of life has evolved over centuries of political, social and cultural change. History is also vital if pupils are to understand and contribute to the way our world develops. Without, for example, knowing what the Cold War was, it is impossible even to begin to appreciate why Georgia was recently attacked by Russia or why the Beijing Olympics were shrouded in so much controversy. It is with this enthusiasm for the real value of historical study that I take up my post as teacher of History.

My principal role will be the co-ordination and teaching of History in the senior years with a particular focus on the Department’s GCSE candidates. I am intending to raise the profile of History generally at the school and am looking forward to recruiting larger numbers of pupils to our exciting and diverse GCSE programme. I shall also be teaching History and Geography to Year 5 and 6 pupils, English to Year 7 as well as Games.

Ben Smith