The History Department staff meet regularly, and dialogue, debate and discussion make up a large part of the Departmental meetings. This approach is carried through to the method of teaching, where issues are debated, discussed, and students are encouraged to enter into dialogue over important matters in the syllabus. The Department at Bishops views the subject of History as a crucial vehicle for transformation. By this is meant that teachers engage with their students on matters emanating from the syllabus, and which have relevance to the creation of a Society that is underwritten by the country's constitution. The Department seeks to operate holistically.

• Methodology: students are taught the "skills" of history, such as the study of sources, the use of evidence, that facts are constructs;
  
• Epistemology: students are exposed to content, and must be made aware that the ' knowledge' exists not as part of the past, but in the present. In this way, students are taught to be able to distinguish between what is knowable, and what is myth.
  
• Ideology: students are made aware that History is written from a particular point of view, and students of the subject need to be aware that History is used as an ideological vehicle. Through the reading and study of texts, different approaches are encouraged (through the study of historiography), thus exposing students to a more balanced view of History.
  
• Ontology: by this approach, students appreciate their past, the present, and are encouraged to understand their situation "in History". This is extended to the position of the individual in Society.
  
• Teleology: here, a better understanding of the the concept of citizenship is encouraged. Students need to understand that History is not a "passive" study. Students need to appreciate that through studying History, their awareness and consciousness, eg having respect for others' Histories, stories and customs, understanding that the constitution of the country provides for the happiness of other people, are heightened. This will make for a better, balanced Society in our unique country, and will equip our students as first-class citizens of the world.

The above is not presented to students outside of the historical context, but always within the prescribed syllabi and programmes of the Department, and the WCED requirements. The issues referred to above are ones with which the students and teachers, TOGETHER, engage. The History Department at Bishops is, thus, fully open to the learning process in the broadest possible sense of the word. Please communicate with us on any issues relating to the subject. We would like to hear from you.