A Level - History
BackCourse Information
What does the course involve?
In Year 12 this course aims to introduce you to a range of historians’ views and interpretations on the key challenges of 20th century Europe, focussing on dictatorship and democracy. Paper 1 Germany & West German is a breadth study in which students will learn about key political changes experienced in a unified Germany and then in West Germany after the Second World War, and the impact of these changes on German economic, social and cultural developments. 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: 1918–89. This option also contains a study in depth of historical interpretations on a broad question, which is contextualised by, and runs parallel to, the themes: how far Hitler’s foreign policy was responsible for the Second World War.
Paper 2 Spain, 1930–78: republicanism, Francoism and the re-establishment of democracy comprises a study in depth of Spain in the years 1930–78, a dramatic period for Spaniards which spanned years of democracy, dictatorship and then democracy again, and led to the creation of the modern Spanish state. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the changing politics and society of a nation that underwent the turbulence of the Second Republic and civil war followed by a period of right-wing dictatorship from which a modern democracy emerged.
In Year 13 our British historical study is Industrialisation and social change in Britain, 1759–1928: forging a new society. 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 ways in which Britain changed from the mid-eighteenth to the early twentieth century by looking at some of the industrial inventions and innovations that changed the lives of British men, women and children, alongside broader changes in the workplace and the profound changes in attitudes to children and childhood. Whilst mainly social and economic, this option also enables students to explore the impact of key political events and legislation.
Finally, there is a coursework unit where students will be offered two topics linked to Nazi Germany. 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, problem or issue as part of an independently researched assignment. The focus is on understanding the nature and purpose of the work of the historian. The coursework will be assessed using a centre-set assignment.
Entry Requirements
At least 6 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, with GCSE English Language grade 5. If GCSE History has been studied, a minimum grade 4 is required.
Can I take additional qualifications?
History A level is usually accompanied by two other A levels or other qualifications.
How will I be assessed?
3 written examinations at end of Year 13 worth 80% of the qualification
1 coursework worth 20% of the qualification
What are the costs?
There are no costs to study this course. However, the department arrange regular foreign residential trips to Spain & Germany. These trips are optional but do incur costs.
UCAS tariff points
Standard A level tariff points.
How will I be assessed?
Paper 1, Option 1G:
Germany and West Germany, 1918–89
Overview
This option comprises a study in breadth, in which students will learn about key political changes experienced in a unified Germany and then in West Germany after the Second World War, and the impact of these changes on German economic, social and cultural developments.
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: 1918–89. This option also contains a study in depth of historical interpretations on a broad question, which is contextualised by, and runs parallel to, the themes: how far Hitler’s foreign policy was responsible for the Second World War
Paper 2, Option 2G.2:
Spain, 1930–78: republicanism, Francoism and the re-establishment of democracy
Overview
This option comprises a study in depth of Spain in the years 1930–78, a dramatic period for Spaniards which spanned years of democracy, dictatorship and then democracy again, and led to the creation of the modern Spanish state. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the changing politics and society of a nation that underwent the turbulence of the Second Republic and civil war followed by a period of rightwing dictatorship from which a modern democracy emerged.
Paper 3, Option 34.1:
Industrialisation and social change in Britain, 1759–1928: forging a new society
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 ways in which Britain changed from the mid-eighteenth to the early twentieth century by looking at some of the industrial inventions and innovations that changed the lives of British men, women and children, alongside broader changes in the workplace and the profound changes in attitudes to children and childhood. Whilst mainly social and economic, this option also enables students to explore the impact of key political events and legislation.
Coursework
Two topics linked to Nazi Germany will be on offer.
Overview
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, problem or issue as part of an independently researched assignment. The focus is on understanding the nature and purpose of the work of the historian. Students will be required to form a critical view based on relevant reading on the question, problem or issue. They will also be specifically required to analyse, explain and evaluate the interpretations of three historians. The coursework will be assessed using a centre-set assignment.
