History

The structure of the course is a linear one with two exams taking place at the end of Year 13 in addition to the submission of one piece of coursework. The Head of Department is also an examiner and reviewer for A Level History.

Paper 1A: The Age of the Crusades c1071-1204

This unit comprises a study in breadth, where students will embark upon the most epic struggle in world history, for the centre of religious cosmos – Jerusalem –  by studying the Christian, Islamic and Byzantine empires. Discover and analyse why people travelled over 1000 miles to fight for their faith. Meet epic figures such as Saladin, leader of the Islamic world and Richard the Lionheart, the English King, the origins of the Assassins, Knights Templar, the not-so innocent Pope Innocent III, a king with Leprosy, powerful queens, cowardly knights and many more!

The course covers the first four Crusades, focussing on themes such as politics, faith, governance, law, and key cultural and social changes as Crusaders and indigenous populations navigated their way through this turbulent period of history.

Paper 2A: Royal Authority and the Angevin Kings 1154-1215

England is at war with itself. Out of the darkness emerges Henry II and his powerful wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine. Their marriage will shape the future of the nation. This unit is a depth study family drama featuring murder, politics, betrayal, guilt, persecution, the establishment of the modern legal system, the conquest of Ireland, and a man accused of being the worst King of all time – King John! 

The course covers the three Angevin Kings; Henry II, Richard I and John, ending with John, having been excommunicated, a Barons war, French invasion and the establishment of Magna Carta – the founding document of our UK democracy. 

Coursework – The Julio-Claudian Emperors

In the Coursework unit, students will discover his family; his ancestors including Julius Caesar, his influential mother, Agrippina, and powerful groups such as the Praetorian Guard, as we analyse the question – how do you run the world, when everyone around you is trying to control you? 

The course covers the Julio-Claudian dynasty of Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius and Nero. Students will investigate interpretations from scholars as well as primary sources such as coins, speeches, archaeology and Roman literature. 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 students of History went to highly regarded universities to study subjects ranging from Law, Journalism and 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 London. We have an excellent reputation for entering students (and placing) in external writing competitions and debating competitions.

All of the below are vital for university courses and the world of work –

• Communication skills – lessons characteristically involve lots of discussion which should develop your oral and debating skills.  Written assignments are expected to be fluently expressed in an appropriately mature style.  History is a literary subject and highly valued precisely because it develops reading and writing skills so well.
• Analytical skills – especially in the selection, interpretation and evaluation of large bodies of information, often presented in a variety of forms.
• Presentational skills – essay assignments, as well as class presentations train historians to assemble, organise and communicate a formal “case”.  These skills prove very useful in a large range of professions.
• Research skills – you will be expected to prepare assignments, and develop note making skills independently. Wider reading is essential for real success in the subject.