History - A Level

Unit 1A - This option allows students to study in breadth issues of change, continuity, cause and consequence in this period through the following key questions:

How did the U.S. government, political authority and political parties change and develop?

In what ways did the economy and society of the USA change and develop?

How did the role of the USA in world affairs change?

How important were ideas and ideology?

How united was the USA during this period?

How important was the role of key individuals and groups and how were they affected by developments?

Unit 2A - This option provides for the study in depth of a period of turbulence in British history, during which the authority of the monarch was questioned and the relationship between Church, State and the baronage was readjusted. It develops concepts such as authority, dynastic ambition and rebellion and encourages students to reflect on issues such as territorial integrity and what makes a ‘state’.

This course is 80% exam based and 20% coursework based. Students will complete two 150 minute exams at the end of the second year.

The course has three examined Units:

Paper 1: The making of a Superpower: USA, 1865–1975

Paper 2: Royal Authority and the Angevin Kings, 1154–1216

Coursework: German Anti-Semitism, 1848-1945

Papers 1 and 2 are comprised of two sections: A and B. Students complete an extract question in Section A and two essays in Section B.

Students must have a good writing ability and a Grade 5 in GCSE History and GCSE English are recommended.

Studying History is useful for a number of careers, including accountancy, teaching, librarianship, banking and commerce, the law, publishing, museums and art galleries, and a wide variety of social work.