History

History – A-Level Qualification

Examining Body:

AQA

Entry Criteria:

A previous qualification in History is desirable plus ideally grade 5 GCSE English Language

Course Leader:

Mr J Hoyle

Why? :

A History qualification is highly regarded by universities and employers. A study of History gives you transferable skills including essay writing, research and reaching sustained judgement. Students will like this course if they are interested in how the past allows us to understand the present. Students will need to be willing to debate and revise their thinking in view of the uncovering of more evidence.

Course Structure:

Component 1: Challenge and transformation: Britain, 1851-1964 This component has five themes running throughout the period; political developments, economic developments, social movements and policies, societal changes and Britain’s relationship with Ireland. In Year One students focus on the period 1851 - 1914. In Year Two the same themes are followed from 1914 - 1964, considering the impact of the both World Wars. At the end of Year 2 there is a 2 ½ hour exam. Students study three unseen written interpretations of the past and decide how convincing they are. They also write two essays from a choice of three. (40% of A Level) Component 2: Democracy and Nazism: Germany, 1918-1945 This component focuses on how a new democracy made way for the Nazis.

In Year One students focus on the establishment and early years of Weimar, 1918–1924; the ‘Golden Age’ of the Weimar Republic, 1924–1928 and the Collapse of Democracy, 1928–1933. In Year Two students focus on the Nazi dictatorship, 1933-1939; the Racial State, 1933-1941, and the impact of war, 1939-1945. At the end of Year 2 there is a 2 ½ hour exam. Students study three unseen primary sources and decide how valuable they are for a given enquiry. They also write two essays from a choice of three. (40% of A Level) Component 3: NEA (Coursework) This is personal study. It should take the form of a question in the context of approximately 100 years. It can be on almost anything before 1764. Past examples include ‘To what extent was the barbarian invasion the main cause of the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the years 376-476?’ or ‘In the context of the Hundred Years’ War (1340-1453) to what extent was technology the most significant factor in determining victory on the battlefield?’ The school has plenty of resources for the Tudor rebellions for students who have a particular interest in this area, or who need a little more help accessing resources. 3,500 - 4,500 (max) word essay (20% of A Level)


Extended Learning:

This will include research and essay writing. Students will be expected to read widely around topic and sometimes present what they have discovered to others in the class.