A Level History
Year 12 and 13 A Level History (Course Code: 9HI0)
Why should you take history?
History is an academic subject that is highly regarded by University admissions tutors. It is particularly appropriate for students considering studying Law, journalism and other careers which require the ability to critically evaluate evidence make decisions and present information. History allows you to keep your options open whilst also helping you gain skills that are relevant to a range of careers. For example; Creative and entertainment work such as acting and directing movies, Lawyers, Politicians, Financial Work, Market research analysts, Museum Work, Armed Forces, Education, and many more!
Who should take the course?
* Students who enjoy challenge, thinking for themselves, discussion and arguments.
* You will look at historical interpretations and be given the opportunity to develop your own analysis and interpretation.
* There are rarely correct answers so you will get the chance to say what you think!
What skills do you need?
* You will need to be able to write well, being able to construct a well balanced essay, select relevant evidence and evaluate this.
* You will be encouraged to read widely to further your understanding.
* You will need to have self discipline and application.
A Level History at Stanborough:
We follow the Edexcel exam board A Level Route H. The aims and objectives of History A-Level are to enable students to develop their interest in and enthusiasm for history and an understanding of its intrinsic value and significance. They will acquire an understanding of different identities within society and an appreciation of aspects such as social, cultural, religious and ethnic diversity, as appropriate, and build on their understanding of the past through experiencing a broad and balanced course of study. Students will develop as effective and independent learners, and as critical and reflective thinkers with curious and enquiring minds as well as developing their ability to ask relevant and significant questions about the past and to research them. They will acquire an understanding of the nature of historical study, for example that history is concerned with judgements based on available evidence and that historical judgements are provisional. Students need to develop their use and understanding of historical terms, concepts and skills and make links and draw comparisons within and/or across different periods and aspects of the past. Lastly, they need to organise and communicate their historical knowledge and understanding in different ways, arguing a case and reaching substantiated judgements.
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Please find details of the course below:
Year 12 Paper 1
Unit 1H: Breadth study with interpretations
Britain transformed, 1918–97
30% of the total A Level
Exam: The examination lasts 2 hours 15 minutes and is marked out of 60.
Students answer three questions: one from Section A, one from Section B and one from Section C.
Overview: This option comprises a study in breadth, in which students will learn about the extent to which Britain was transformed politically, socially, economically and culturally in the years 1918–79. They will consider responses to the challenges of war, fluctuations in the economy, technological advancement and the desire for greater social equality. The focus of study is on developments and changes over a broad timescale and so the content is presented as themes spanning a significant duration: 1918–79. This option also contains a study in depth of historical interpretations on a broad question, which is contextualised by, and runs on from, the themes: what impact Thatcher’s governments had on Britain, 1979–97.
Year 12 Paper 2
Unit 2H.1: Depth study
The USA, c1920–55: boom, bust and recovery
20% of the total A Level
Exam: The examination lasts 1 hour 30 minutes and is marked out of 40.
Students answer two questions: one from Section A and one from Section B.
Overview: This option comprises a study in depth of economic and social change in the USA from the post-war boom of the 1920s, through depression, recovery and war, to the transformation of many aspects of US society in the years immediately after 1945. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of economic change and its long-term effects, the growing demands by black Americans for social equality, and the cultural changes driven by individuals and by technological change.
Year 13 Paper 3
Unit 30: Themes in breadth with aspects in depth
Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII, 1399-1509
30% of the total A Level
Exam: The examination lasts 2 hours 15 minutes and is marked out of 60.
Students answer three questions: one from Section A, one from Section B and one from Section C.
Overview: This option comprises two parts: the Aspects in breadth focus on long-term changes and contextualise the Aspects in depth, which focus in detail on key episodes. Together, the breadth and depth topics explore the dramatic developments in late medieval England that centred around the personalities and political skills of a series of kings, queens and their powerful subjects, and the impact of these developments on the kingdom. Within the primarily political focus on the nature of kingship and authority in England, this option also explores the wider social and economic contexts of political struggle.
Year 13 Paper 4
Unit 04: Coursework
20% of the total A Level
You will carry out an independently-researched enquiry requiring you to analyse and evaluate historical interpretations and to organise and communicate the findings.
Textbooks:
Year 12:
Edexcel AS/A Level History, Paper 1&2: Democracies in Change: Britain and the USA in the 20th Century Student Book + Activebook (Edexcel GCE History 2015).
Year 13:
Edexcel A Level History: Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII 1399-1509 Student Book + Activebook Paper 3 (Edexcel GCE History 2015)
