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Knowing the plot of The History Boys inside out is essential for GCSE. The play spans the period of a single school term — the boys' final term in the sixth form, during which they prepare for their Oxbridge entrance examinations. This lesson provides a detailed act-by-act breakdown, identifies key turning points, and maps the dramatic arc.
Eight boys at a grammar school in Sheffield have achieved excellent A-level results. The Headmaster wants them to apply to Oxford and Cambridge to boost the school's reputation. He is dissatisfied with their current teaching and brings in a new, young supply teacher — Irwin — to give them an "edge."
The boys already have two teachers:
| Teacher | Subject | Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Hector | General Studies | Eclectic, passionate, knowledge for its own sake |
| Mrs Lintott | History | Rigorous, factual, traditional methodology |
| Irwin (new) | History / Exam technique | Strategic, provocative, contrarian |
Hector's General Studies lessons are unlike anything in a normal classroom. The boys:
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