Faculty of Humanities

History

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Guide to A Level History (Edexcel)

Minimum recommended entry requirements:
Grade B in GCSE History

The course is made up of two main components:

The AS component which would normally be studied in the Lower Sixth year
A2 component which would be studied in the Upper Sixth year.

Advanced Subsidiary (AS)

This will provide you with the opportunity to study new periods of the modern history of Britain and to deepen the study that you have already undertaken at GCSE of the USA 1919 – 45. You will cover all of the units below:

British history units

The issues and problems facing the Liberal governments of Britain 1905 – 1915
The issue of women gaining the right to vote between 1880 – 1918*

American history units

‘Boom and Bust’: the economy and society of the USA 1919 - 1933
Roosevelt and the New Deal in the USA 1933 – 1945*

The units above marked * are topics which are completed by coursework during the Lower Sixth year, the others are assessed by traditional external examinations.

Advanced Level (A2)

This course can only be taken after or (in exceptional circumstances – timetable permitting) at the same time as the AS units above. The A2 course will further enhance your skills and broaden your knowledge of the modern history of Britain and Europe. You will study all of the units below:

British history units

The issues, events in and reasons for the decline of the Liberal Party in Britain between 1900 – 1929
The issues and events involving the extension of the right to vote in Britain 1830 – 1928*

European history units

The problems and policies of the rulers of Austria and Prussia in the mid to late 18th century
The problems of governing Russia 1682 - 1796

The units above marked * are topics which are completed by coursework during the Upper Sixth year, the others are assessed by traditional external examinations.

The lessons will include a variety of approaches including teacher presentation, group work, research activities, use of the Internet and also pupil presentation and written exercises to support your Level 3 Key Skills Communications work over the year.

History combines well with any of the other Humanities subjects, Business Studies or Modern Languages. In previous years we have also had students taking history as a contrast to their Science or Mathematics courses. The course naturally leads on to a variety of degree courses and careers in law, management, journalism, administration and the social services.

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