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History

Is this course for me?
If you have enjoyed studying history and are interested in understanding key developments in British and European History this is a worthwhile course for you. The aim is for you to gain a deep knowledge of the topics studied in order to develop your own interpretations of the past. Within the course you will also have the opportunity to write your own piece of history about a topic of your choice, and to develop skills of research, analysis and communication.

A range of teaching methods are used including:
  • Individual research
  • Pair and group work
  • Extended original writing and thought
  • Evaluation of evidence
  • Evaluation of historical interpretations
  • Pictorial presentations
  • Background reading
  • Discussion of key themes and topics
  • Debates and mock trials
  • Seminar style presentations
  • Note taking and essay writing
  • Study of film clips and videos

During the course we plan to organise a visit to a relevant historical location abroad such as Berlin and Krakow, and closer to home we visit English Civil War sites in Cornwall.
 
What qualifications do I need?
The basic requirement is 5 or more Grade 4s at GCSE but ideally students will have achieved a 6 or above in GCSE History and English language.

What does the course involve?
  • Unit 1 Y108: The Early Stuarts and the Origins of the Civil War 1603-1660
  • (Enquiry Topic- The execution of Charles 1 and the Interregnum 1646-1660)
  • Unit 2 Y221: Democracy and Dictatorship in Germany 1919-1963
  • Unit 3 Y318: Russia and its Rulers 1855-1964
  • Unit 4 Y100: Topic based Essay (3000-4000 words)
 
How will my work be assessed?
Unit 1:
Students will answer one source- based question related to the Enquiry Topic and one essay question, from a choice of two, related to the Period Study (25% A Level total).

Unit 2:
Students will answer one two-part question from a choice of two, including the first which will be a comparison of two factors with an overall judgement, plus an essay related to the Period Study (15% A Level total).

Unit 3:
Students will answer questions from two sections ( 40% A Level total):
  • Section A - one essay question based on two extracts from historians about one of the three depth studies
  • Section B - two essay questions from a choice of three drawn from the historical themes section
Unit 4:
Students will complete one essay (3000-4000 words) arising from an independent study on a topic of their choice (20%)

Is this course for me?
Having completed this course you will have gained an interest and understanding of the modern world. You will have become highly skilled in the analysis and judgment of complex evidence and ideas as well as proving yourself capable of sustained original thought. Also your communication skills will be greatly enhanced. This is an excellent qualification for university entry, law, Journalism, media, publishing, politics, the civil service, teaching, research, social work administration and many other careers. Employers rate history highly as it helps develop "transferable skills" which are useful in most professional jobs.