History

Summary of course content:

The A Level History course is a 2 year A Level which comprises of 3 units:

Breadth Study – Tsarist & Communist Russia, 1855 – 1964
This involves studying the nature of causes and consequences of change and continuity and of similarity and differences over a long period of time, the links between perspectives, such as political, economic, social or religious as well as appreciating developments relating the perspectives separately over time and the role played by individuals, groups, ideas or ideology. The unit focuses on political change in Russia over the time period and how these changes impact on social and economic strands within Russia as it moved from being a Tsarist state to a Communist state. This is explored through the role of individuals such as Lenin, Stalin and Khrushchev.

Depth Study – 2M Wars and Welfare: Britain in Transition, 1906–1957

Each ‘Depth’ study is focused on a significant period of historical change or development. This option provides the study of a transformative period of British history, during which the democratically elected government faced a series of challenges. The will consider areas of debate such as the Liberal crisis; the impact of war; the ‘Hungry Thirties’; the People’s War and Peace and ’Never had it so good?’

A Historical Investigation

You will be required to identify an issue you wish to study and develop a question from. This issue will be the focus of the historical investigation. The issue to be investigated has to be placed in the context of approximately 100 years. Through undertaking the historical investigation, students will develop an enhanced understanding of the nature and purpose of history as a discipline and how historians work.

Progression and Career routes:

An A Level in History can lead to further education routes which specialise in specific areas of History and also provides a foundation for a route into careers such as journalism, law, art criticism, archaeology, museum curator, education – both teaching and lecturing, archivist, military analyst and civil servant.

How to access this course:

If you have studied History at Key Stage 4 a Grade 6 is desirable. Other circumstances or teachers recommendation will however be considered. GCSE English at grade 5 is also a requirement.