History
It may surprise you to know that history is always changing. Historians uncover new sources or view them in different ways. Many issues in the news have historical roots so that studying History will help you to understand the modern world. This makes it a lively and provocative subject to study, full of issues and arguments. If you’re interested in people and their lives in the past, then History is a good choice for you.
WHAT WILL I BE STUDYING ON THE COURSE?
There are three AS courses offered:
There are three AS courses offered:
· Tudor History (Edexcel exam board) - a study of the Wars of the Roses and the reign of Henry VII followed by a study of the reign of Henry VIII.
· Modern History (Edexcel exam board) - This starts with a study of Russia from the 1880s Tsarist era, through the Bolshevik revolution and the rise of Stalin up to his death in 1953. This is followed by a study of British culture and the influence of the media between the years 1945-2000, covering the impact of the Beatles, television and changing social attitudes.
· Democracy and Dictatorship (AQA exam board) - this starts with a study on the rise of fascism in Italy, Mussolini’s state and Italy in the Second World War. The second module focuses on Britain 1906-1951 including a range of social, economic and political issues such as the welfare state, votes for women, the general strike and the great depression.
A2 units:
· Tudor History – a coursework assignment on witchcraft and superstition followed by study of the reigns of the later Tudor monarchs and Tudor rebellions.
· Modern History – a coursework assignment on the changing nature of British warfare 1845-1945, followed by an in-depth study of Germany from the Kaiser Reich to the end of the Second World War.
· Democracy and Dictatorship – a coursework assignment on Russia between 1880-1980 taking a thematic approach to history, which you work on independently with some guidance from your teacher. The second module is on International Relations in the years 1945-2004. You will be studying the aftermath of the Second World War, the Cold War and post Cold War relations.
WHICH HISTORY COURSE SHOULD I CHOOSE?
Choose the course which interests you most. Even if you have studied similar modern topics at GCSE the AS course will cover the topics in more depth and from slightly different angles. The Tudor course is more likely to cover new ground and you will need to be prepared to read widely, especially in the first term, to ensure that you understand the different attitudes and ideas of the Tudor age. If you have not studied History at GCSE this will not be a disadvantage in the long run, although you will need to read and study hard in the first term.
Choose the course which interests you most. Even if you have studied similar modern topics at GCSE the AS course will cover the topics in more depth and from slightly different angles. The Tudor course is more likely to cover new ground and you will need to be prepared to read widely, especially in the first term, to ensure that you understand the different attitudes and ideas of the Tudor age. If you have not studied History at GCSE this will not be a disadvantage in the long run, although you will need to read and study hard in the first term.
WHAT WILL I BE DOING IN LESSONS?
History lessons are varied and active. Activities which regularly take place are debates, role plays, presentations, research and decision making games. The department has a rich collection of resources including a photo archive, music CDs, videos, a range of computer based activities and revision games. However, students will also be expected to study on their own by reading and taking notes. There are frequent opportunities to go on field trips or to conferences and a residential study visit is usually offered for Tudor and Modern students every other year.
HOW WILL THE AS COURSE BE ASSESSED?
All History courses are assessed entirely by exams in the first year. All history courses will have January exams and then a second paper in June. These examinations will include a mixture of source based exercises and short essays.
HOW WILL A2 COURSE BE ASSESSED?
All History courses will have one coursework unit and one examined unit in the second year. The coursework will be an extended essay completed independently with some teacher guidance. This will require you to research a topic on your own using books and articles found in the library or from the online archive. The examination will require you to demonstrate a mixture of evidence and essay writing skills.
History lessons are varied and active. Activities which regularly take place are debates, role plays, presentations, research and decision making games. The department has a rich collection of resources including a photo archive, music CDs, videos, a range of computer based activities and revision games. However, students will also be expected to study on their own by reading and taking notes. There are frequent opportunities to go on field trips or to conferences and a residential study visit is usually offered for Tudor and Modern students every other year.
HOW WILL THE AS COURSE BE ASSESSED?
All History courses are assessed entirely by exams in the first year. All history courses will have January exams and then a second paper in June. These examinations will include a mixture of source based exercises and short essays.
HOW WILL A2 COURSE BE ASSESSED?
All History courses will have one coursework unit and one examined unit in the second year. The coursework will be an extended essay completed independently with some teacher guidance. This will require you to research a topic on your own using books and articles found in the library or from the online archive. The examination will require you to demonstrate a mixture of evidence and essay writing skills.
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED TO TAKE THE COURSE?
You should have at least a C grade in History (if taken at GCSE) and English Language. Experience shows that your chances of success in this subject are greater if you have a grade B in History and in English Language.
WHAT SUBJECTS CAN I TAKE WITH HISTORY?
Almost any combination is possible. Knowledge of philosophy, politics, religious studies, economics and literature can all be especially useful for the study of History. The most popular combinations are with English Literature, Politics, Maths and Psychology but there have also been many successful scientists taking the course in recent years.
AND AFTER THE COURSE?
History is a firmly established and respected academic subject. It is accepted by all Higher Education establishments as a suitable qualification for a wide variety of degree courses. It is also useful for those considering a range of careers such as law, local government, management, the police, research, banking, the media teaching, and museum and archive work.
View the History page on the Edexcel Website.
You should have at least a C grade in History (if taken at GCSE) and English Language. Experience shows that your chances of success in this subject are greater if you have a grade B in History and in English Language.
WHAT SUBJECTS CAN I TAKE WITH HISTORY?
Almost any combination is possible. Knowledge of philosophy, politics, religious studies, economics and literature can all be especially useful for the study of History. The most popular combinations are with English Literature, Politics, Maths and Psychology but there have also been many successful scientists taking the course in recent years.
AND AFTER THE COURSE?
History is a firmly established and respected academic subject. It is accepted by all Higher Education establishments as a suitable qualification for a wide variety of degree courses. It is also useful for those considering a range of careers such as law, local government, management, the police, research, banking, the media teaching, and museum and archive work.
View the History page on the Edexcel Website.
View the History (Democracy and Dictatorship) page on the AQA Website.
