A Level History

Introduction – why choose this subject?

History A level builds upon the foundations that students have already established at GCSE, students continue to develop a strong understanding of the past and the consequences of peoples’ actions. This helps us make informed choices about the future and understand the world around us. You will also continue to develop important skills such as analysis, research, problem solving and debating, whilst enhancing your communication skills. You will develop the skill of analysing the value of sources of information and interrogating and evaluating historical interpretations. History is a valuable subject for those wanting to study further humanities subjects at university but also a course that is valued very highly by universities regardless of the subject being studied.

This course involves a two-year study of the Tudors, from Henry VII to Elizabeth I, and a two-year study of Germany from the Weimar Government post WW1 to Hitler’s Germany, until the end of WW2. Students must also produce a Historical Investigation based on a 100-year study of Russia, from 1855 to 1953. This takes the form of a 4500-word independent essay in the second year of study.

Component 1: The Tudors 1486-1603 

This option allows students to study in breadth issues of change, continuity, cause and consequence in this period through the following key questions:

• How effectively did the Tudors restore and develop the powers of the monarchy?
• In what ways and how effectively was England governed during this period?
• How did relations with foreign powers change and how was the succession secured?
• How did English society and economy change and with what effects?
• How far did intellectual and religious ideas change and develop and with what effects?
• How important was the role of key individuals and groups and how were they affected by developments?

Component 2: Democracy and Nazism 1918-45

This option provides for the study in depth of a period of German history during which a newly developed democratic form of government gave way to a dictatorial Nazi regime. It explores political concepts such as 'right' and 'left', nationalism and liberalism as well as ideological concepts such as racialism, anti-Semitism and Social Darwinism. It also encourages reflection on how governments work and the problems of democratic states as well as consideration of what creates and sustains a dictatorship.

Component 3: Historical investigation 

This option allows students to study in breadth issues of change, continuity, cause and consequence in this period through the following key questions:

• How was Russia governed and how did political authority change and develop?
• Why did opposition develop and how effective was it?
• How and with what results did the economy develop and change?
• What was the extent of social and cultural change?
• How important were ideas and ideology?
• How important was the role of individuals and groups and how were they affected by developments?

How is the course examined?

At A-level, there are three assessment components. Component 1 assesses students’ understanding of breadth and of historical interpretations. Component 2 assesses understanding of depth and of the value of primary sources. Component 3 is a Historical Investigation (non-exam assessment).

Component 1: The Tudors 1486-1603 (40% - 2 hour and 30 minute exam)

Component 2: Democracy and Nazism 1918-45 (40% - 2 hour and 30 minute exam)

Component 3: Historical investigation (20% - coursework - 4500 word essay)

Equipment

Large lever arch file per unit

Lined paper

Homework

At A Level, students are regularly set exam questions as homework to complete. They also are expected to carry out regular independent study on topics covered in class to widen their knowledge and understanding of the topic.

Learning outside the classroom

We also have taken part in the Lessons from Auschwitz Programme which gives post-16 students the opportunity to visit Auschwitz for a day and deliver their findings in school.