History
Examination Board: Edexcel
Course Code: 9H10
Entry Requirements: Grade 6 in History and English Language at GCSE. Applicants who have not completed a GCSE in History but who have achieved a Grade 6 minimum GCSE in English Literature will be considered for A-level History
Why study History?
History is about understanding the world in which we live by gaining insights into how and why it came about. As such, our focus on the concepts of communism, democracy, protest and people are as relevant today as ever, providing a solid foundation to interpret political, economic and social debates about the kind of world we want to live in. By studying History, you develop skills prized by universities and employers, such as explanation and evaluation, critical analysis of evidence and interpretations, as well as strong written and oral communication. As such, you will have the potential to contribute to society through different career routes, such as charity and community work, law, policing and forensics, advertising, journalism, the media and the Civil Service, as well as through further academic work.
What will I study?
In Paper 1 you will study “Russia: From Lenin to Yeltsin, 1917-1991” covering the rise and ultimate collapse of the world’s largest Communist country, highlighting the challenges of securing and maintaining power, as well as the impact of Communist ideology on the lives of the citizens of the USSR.
In Paper 2 you will study a depth study of “Mao’s China: 1949-1976”. This paper includes the dramatic and extremely rapid transformation of China from a peasant economy to a nuclear power; the rebuilding of the nation after a bloody civil war; and ultimately, Mao’s attempt to instigate permanent revolution.
In Paper 3 you will study “Protest, agitation and parliamentary reform in Britain, c1780–1928” which investigates the diminishing power of the aristocracy over time and the expanding role of the working classes in the British parliamentary system.
The final element of the course is a centre-designed coursework entitled “The impact of the New Deal in America, 1933-41”. This explores the historical debate over the impact of the New Deal which sought to undo the dramatic social and economic collapse caused by the Great Depression.
How will I study?
Unlike GCSE, A Level History has a greater expectation of independent learning to widen and deepen understanding. This will involve ‘flipped learning’ (reading texts before lessons and being ready to use this information) as well as seminar discussions (arguing and debating the information learned independently). Lessons will build on such learning and check full understanding. They will also include detailed self and peer assessment to ensure you make rapid progress in the exam skills required at A Level.
How will my work be assessed?
In A level all three papers are examined, paper one is worth 30%, paper two is worth 20%, paper three is worth 30% and the coursework is worth 20%. All exams are sat at the end of Year 13.
