A Level History
Overview:
At NHGS, we offer the unusual opportunity to study history over a vast timescale, from events nearly a thousand years ago up to almost the present day. A fascinating course including world events from Blair and Iraq in 2004, Thatcher in the 1980s, deaths of monarchs in revolutions in twentieth century Russia and seventeenth century Britain, back to the twelfth century Third Crusade. political, social and cultural changes are studied that continue to shape our world today.
The course will give students a diverse grounding in history through studying a mixture of modern, early modern and medieval history. We mainly focus on Britain but also offer wider European and middle eastern perspectives. We build on the historical skills developed at GCSE; and through their study of A Level History, students become independent learners, critical thinkers and decision makers which will help them moving forward into higher education or the workplace.
“A fascinating course spanning world events from the early crusades, the Norman invasion of 1066, right up to Thatcher in the 1980s and Blair in 2004. Political, social and cultural changes are studied that continue to shape our world today.”
Course Structure and Content:
To give pupils a diverse grounding in history through studying a mixture of modern, early modern and medieval history. We mainly focus on Britain but also offer wider European and middle eastern perspectives.
Three written papers taken in the summer of Upper Sixth and coursework submitted by the Easter of the Upper Sixth.
- Unit 1 - Britain, 1625–1701; conflict, revolution and settlement: Students explore a decisive shift in the balance of power between crown and parliament, echoes of which we see today. We consider why the English fought, defeated and ultimately beheaded their king; then invited his son to return from exile as Charles II after 11 years of desperately trying to rule without a monarchy. We then explore how this shaped the monarchy.
- Unit 2 - Russia in revolution, 1894–1924: Students look at the causes, course and consolidation of the Russian Revolution of 1917, which has had a momentous effect on Russia and the modern world. We study the actions of the revolutionaries, the response of successive governments, and the consolidation under Lenin and the Bolsheviks after the Revolution of October 1917.
- Unit 3 - Mass media and social change in Britain, 1882-2004: Areas we study include; how and why the role of women and leisure changed dramatically during the period studied; the vital role of developing mass media in both world wars, along with the manipulation of it by two controversial PMs in Thatcher and Blair. With 2004 being only two decades ago we develop our understanding of the world we live in today. NEA - Richard the Lionheart in the Third Crusade, 1190-2. Is the status of Richard I as a legend in a 'Clash of the Titans' with Saladin actually warranted? Current tensions in the Middle East highlight the continued relevance of the crusades to today.
Assessment:
At the end of the Lower Sixth, students sit an exam on all of the Lower Sixth content. This does not count towards the final grade, but assesses the content at this half-way point before progression to the Upper 6th.
The final assessments at the end of the Upper 6th are as below:
- Unit 1 - 30% 2 hours 15 minutes written paper (60 marks).
- Unit 2 - 20% 1 hour 30 minutes written paper (40 marks).
- Unit 3 - 30% 2 hours 15 minutes written paper (60 marks). NEA - 20% Draft usually due before Spring Half Term, with the final deadline being the start of the Easter holidays (40 marks).
Click here to download a course flyer
Examination Board:
The course followed is the Pearson Execel A Level History (2015)
Future Career Opportunities:
History is a well respected academic A Level, valued by both universities and a variety of potential employers. It can lead to a History degree and then work in the field (for example Teaching, Museums) but also to careers such as Law and Politics.