History

The structure of the course is a linear one with 3 exams taking place at the end of Year 13.  We study the Edexcel Exam board and the Head of Department is an examiner for the exam board for this course.

Paper 1G: Germany and West Germany, 1918-1989

This unit comprises a study in breadth, in which students will learn about key political changes experienced in Weimar Germany 1918-1933, Nazi Germany 1933-45 and in West Germany after the Second World War, 1945-1989. We focus on four themes that span these 3 time periods in Germany’s history- these are the political changes, issues surrounding opposition and control of the people, the economy, and also the social history. We also look at the foreign policy of Hitler and interpretations surrounding the causes of the Second World War. 

Paper 2G.2: The rise and fall of fascism in Italy, c1911-1946

This unit examines key developments in the history of Italy in the first half of the twentieth century from the political instability of the liberal democratic state, through the rise and fall of Mussolini’s fascist dictatorship, to the return to democracy and the creation of an Italian republic in 1946. This involves studying the Rise of Mussolini, the challenges to the state, and the fall of fascism.

Paper 3: Option 31-Rebellion and Disorder under the Tudors, 1485-1603

The focus of this unit is on two given themes on aspects of breadth covering a range of over 100 years and five identified key topics in depth during the Tudor period.

Topic 1: Challenging the succession, 1485-1499

Topic 2: Challenging religious changes, 1533-1537

Topic 3: Agrarian discontent: Kett’s rebellion, 1549

Topic 4: Queen takes Queen? The revolt of the northern earls, 1569-1570

Topic 5: Troublesome Ireland: Tyrone’s rebellion, 1594-1603

Coursework Historical Interpretations of the Holocaust

Coursework is compulsory in all History specifications and the purpose of this coursework is to enable students to develop skills in the analysis and evaluation of interpretations of history in a chosen question- the focus of which will be yours to shape, but will be pertaining to the holocaust. This is also worth 20% of the A  Level grade.

Students should have achieved a GCSE grade 6 in History. Whilst it is beneficial to have studied GCSE History, it is not a requirement to study the subject in the Sixth Form. An interest in the subject content together with literacy and analytical skills are of comparable value. If in doubt then ask a member of the departmental staff.

History is a very versatile discipline in that it combines with virtually any other A Level subject either from the arts or humanities. Recently, many students have combined History with a maths/science option. They have found History a refreshing change, whilst appreciating the analytical challenges it presents. They’ve benefited from developing the skills which the subject necessarily demands. In recent years for example students of History went to highly regarded universities to study subjects ranging from Law, Journalism and Modern History to Forensic Psychology, Pharmacology and medicine and degree apprenticeships in law and logistics.

Arrangements are made for students to attend relevant History lectures and conferences where appropriate.  Year 12 History and Politics students visit the Houses of Parliament and other London sites. We have also attended New York and Washington DC to visit a host of museums and historical sites as well as Berlin. We have an excellent reputation for entering students (and placing) in external writing competitions and debating competitions.