History

Introduction
History is a challenging, exciting and relevant A Level subject, which can help make sense of current issues and ideas. The strands of the subject include; the story of events in the past, an appreciation of how historians have interpreted these events, the evaluation of sources, weighing up arguments, using analysis and reaching a conclusion. A variety of approaches to study are involved to help to develop this understanding.
By the end of the course students should have developed their critical and analytical skills plus their ability to produce well directed written answers. History is a respected qualification and future employers recognise what it represents. Nikita Kruschev said “Shoot the historians, they’re dangerous!”

What do students study?
The course involves the study of both British and European History. The paper 1 British element is the breadth study of democracy, protest and reform c1785-c1870. It also includes a depth study of historical interpretations of the abolition of the Slave trade. The European part of the  course looks at the unification of Germany c1840-1871. This includes a study of the German states in the 1840s, the failure of the revolutions of 1848-49, the decline of Austrian power and the creation of a new German state under the leadership of Prussia in the years to 1871.
 
Students studying A Level History will also include a piece of coursework that will be focused upon a historical controversy that has come out of the causes of the First World War.  At the same time the students will also study an externally assessed part which looks both in breadth and in depth focused upon the Civil rights and race relations in the USA, 1850 – 2009.

How are students assessed?
Units 1 to 3 are examined externally. The coursework is set internally and then examined internally then moderated by the exam board, Edexcel.
 
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Contact Mr C Trengove, Head of History for further information.