HISTORY

QUALIFICATION:

A level

OVERVIEW:

The study of History is popular. Those who enjoy finding out about the past discover themselves fascinated by the inter-involvement of different threads and themes. If you want to know why something is the way it is today then History is for you. You will study the history of a variety of countries, and develop a variety of academic skills. These range from researching any topic, developing your own ideas and arguments whilst maintaining your objectivity and understanding of the different sides of an argument. Your ideas and research will inevitably lead you to disagree with those around you but that is what makes the study of history so fun. Where there is one view point there is always another. There is of course another reason to study history, it is fascinating.

EQUIPMENT:

The department will provide you with copies of the 2 textbooks on loan for the two years of the course.

SKILLS:

This subject will help you develop skills of analysis and evaluation, alongside being able to write extended answers and arguments.

ASSESSMENT:

You will sit two exams at the end of Year 13 (each one is two and half hours). You will also complete a piece of Non-Examined Assessment during Year 13.

Unit 1 – Stuart Britain and the Crisis of Monarchy, 1603-1702

Unit 2 – The American Dream: Reality and Illusion, 1945-1980

Unit 3 – Historical investigation: Russia 1825-1945

FUTURE PROSPECTS:

History is quite simply unique among all subjects. It opens up career opportunities in any field. This is because it teaches you such a huge variety of skills that you will not find anywhere else. Ask any employer, be they from the medical profession or a captain of industry and they will tell you that history is a great qualification to have. For example, did you know that Lord Sainsbury the Chairman of Sainsbury’s supermarket, and Louis Theroux both have history degrees? University courses for recent students have included not just an increasing number choosing to study History, but also Engineering, Medicine, Music, English and Law.

WHAT DO OUR STUDENTS SAY:

“Great subject, great teachers, great choice.”

“History is the one subject where you are allowed to have an argument (historical of course!) with your class mates and not get told off.”

“Without doubt the most interesting and fun subject I’ve studied.”