The History Department delivers a broad and exciting curriculum that stimulates pupils' enthusiasm. We believe History is a subject that can enrich, entertain and inform. As a subject it is valuable tool for citizenship, allowing students to explore and discuss contemporary issues within the context of the past.
Photo left: Mr. Roger Bardsley, Head of History
It also informs our identity explaining who we are and how we have come to be. Skills that History develops such as critical thinking, source analysis and literacy are invaluable. As such the department commits itself to provide a broad and challenging curriculum that will;
- Communicate an enthusiasm for, and an enjoyment of, History as an academic subject.
- Provide students with an awareness of their local national and international identity by examining the evolution of institutions, peoples and events over time.
- Develop the skills of source analysis using a variety of media.
- Develop student skills in oral and written communication.
- Provide students with an opportunity to explore the feelings, thoughts and ideas of people from various historical situations.
- Develop through the study of the past a better understanding of the present
- Develop students as confident, independent learners who have the skills and desire to further their own learning.
- Allow students to develop their own reasoned opinions through the exploration of events and controversies in the past.
To study the GCE in History you need an interest in the world around you, an enquiring mind and the ability to weigh up different evidence or arguments. You do not need to have GCSE History in order to study AS and A2 Level History. However, you may find it helpful, as the GCE builds on the skills developed at GCSE such as the communication of historical knowledge and the ability to analyse historical sources. Above: History trip to Berlin
What will I learn?
The course consists of four units – two at AS level and a further two at A2 level.
Unit 1: Historical Themes in Breadth (50% of AS:25% of total A-level)
In this unit you will study two broad topics which are linked by the theme of change. The topics studied will be Russia in Revolution 1881-1924: From Autocracy to Dictatorship and Pursuing Life and Liberty: Equality in the US 1945-1968. For each of these topics you will examine how and why change happened in these different societies. Through these units you will become aware of the complexity of historical change and will be encouraged to make judgments about the reasons for change in History.
Unit 2: British History Depth Studies (50% of AS:25% of total A-level)
In Unit 2 you will carry out a depth study of one period of British History. You will explore source material to develop an in-depth understanding of the attitudes, beliefs and structures of British society at the time. The topic will explore The Experience of Warfare in Britain: Crimea, Boer and the First World War 1854-1929. Right: History trip to Prague
Unit 3: Depth Studies and Associated Historical Controversies (60% of A2:30% of total A-level)
In Unit 3 you will carry out a depth study of a period, and will gain a firm understanding of key issues, problems and debates associated with it. The topic covered will be A World Divided: Superpower Relations 1944-1990. This option will examine the Cold War. It will consider why it happened, study the major events of the period, and analyse why at the end of this period the Russian communist empire was to collapse.
Unit 4: Historical Enquiry (40% of A2:20% of total A-level)
In this unit you will carry out an historical enquiry. This enquiry will be based on a period of at least 100 years. While your teacher will cover a broad overview of the chosen period, you will need to engage in independent research on the topic. The period to be studied in this unit is The Changing Power of the Tudor Monarchs 1485-1603
Is this the right subject for me?
The Advanced GCE in History will appeal to you if:- you have an interest in the world around you, the society you live in, and how it has developed
- you like learning about people, how they interact, and what motivates them
- you like learning about different countries, societies and cultures
- you enjoy discussion, debate and argument
- you like to think for yourself and develop your own views
- you enjoy research and analysing material to check for bias and propaganda.
How will I be assessed?
Marks are 60.The paper is worth 50% of the AS grade and 25% of the A2 grade if you carry on to this level.
Unit 2: British History Depth Studies
You will take a written exam. You will need to answer two questions based on historical sources supplied with the paper. In Question (a) you will need to analyse, cross-reference and evaluate the source material to reach a judgement. In Question (b) you will address an historical view or claim using two sources and your own knowledge. There will be a choice of two (b) questions. Total marks are 60.The paper is worth 50% of the AS grade and 25% of the A2 grade if you carry on to this level.
A2 Level
Unit 3: Depth Studies and Associated Historical Controversies
You will take a written exam completing two questions - one essay question on the period studied, and one source-based question where you will explore issues of historical debate. Again, for each question, you will have a choice from two questions. Total marks are 70. The unit is worth 60% of the A2 and 30% of the total A level.
AS Level
Unit 1: Historical Themes in Breadth
You will take a written exam. You will need to answer two extended writing questions, one on each topic you have studied. You will have a choice of two questions for each topic. Total
marks are 60.The paper is worth 50% of the AS grade and 25% of the A2 grade if you carry on to this level.
Unit 2: British History Depth Studies
You will take a written exam. You will need to answer two questions based on historical sources supplied with the paper. In Question (a) you will need to analyse, cross-reference and evaluate the source material to reach a judgement. In Question (b) you will address an historical view or claim using two sources and your own knowledge. There will be a choice of two (b) questions. Total marks are 60.The paper is worth 50% of the AS grade and 25% of the A2 grade if you carry on to this level.
A2 Level
Unit 3: Depth Studies and Associated Historical Controversies
You will take a written exam completing two questions - one essay question on the period studied, and one source-based question where you will explore issues of historical debate. Again, for each question, you will have a choice from two questions. Total marks are 70. The unit is worth 60% of the A2 and 30% of the total A level.
Unit 4: Historical Enquiry
You will complete a written coursework assignment of about 4000 words. There will be no examination. Total marks are 50. The unit is worth 40% of the A2 and 20% of the total A level.
What can I do after I have completed the course?
You can progress to higher education courses such as honours degrees in History, or to degrees in related subjects such asPolitics, English Literature, Economics or Geography; or to vocational qualifications such as the BTEC Higher National Certificate/Diploma in Media (Journalism) or in Travel and Tourism.
An Advanced GCE in History will give you a number of skills relevant to many types of employment, such as the ability to seek information and to analyse it in order to identify facts and motives and to present information clearly for others to understand.
The skills you will obtain through studying History will be useful in a number of careers, either directly related to History (eg working in museums, galleries, heritage sites, record offices and archives and teaching), or in areas such as journalism, law, national and local government and the civil service.