A Level History

History (AS and A Level)

HISTORY

AS and A Level (Edexcel)

Campus: Cheadle and Marple (29/09/08)

Course overview

To make sense of the world we live in it is essential to understand key events, individuals, movements and conflicts that have shaped history. The course is made up of units of study from the recent and less recent past, including British and world history.

AS Level (year one)

Unit One (exam)

This unit looks at the issues of power, influence and control in society, including politics, values and beliefs. Students explore aspects of the past in breath through periods and themes. You will study two topics from the following: Italian Unification 1815-1870, Liberal and Fascist Italy 1896-1943, From Second Reich to Third Reich in Germany 1918-1945.

Unit Two (exam)

This unit looks at a period of British history, including the use of source material to develop an understanding of attitudes, beliefs and society. You will study modern British political history from the end of the Second World War (1945) to the fall of Margaret Thatcher (1990).

A Level (year two)

Unit Three (exam)

This unit introduces you to historical controversies. The unit focuses on the dramatic revolutionary changes in England, 1629-1667.

Unit Four (coursework)

The study covers a long period of modern Spain

(1870-1975).

How you will learn

You will be taught through lecture, discussion, group work, video, audio, student conferences, university visits, field trips and individual research.

How you will be assessed

Unit 1 exam, 1 hour 20 minutes. Two essay questions. (Summer exam)

Unit 2 exam 1 hour 20 minutes. Two source based questions. (January exam)

Unit 3 exam, 2 hours. One essay and one question based on secondary source material.

Unit 4 coursework, maximum 4,000 words.

Special entry requirements

A good GCSE performance in literary subjects e.g. History, Geography, Sociology, Religion, English.

What the students say

Not having studied History at GCSE, I thought taking it at AS and A Level might be a risky choice. However, the excellent and approachable teachers have made it a thoroughly enjoyable and successful challenge.

History feels very relevant to my other subjects. We study quite exciting areas it is a lot better than History at school.

Other useful information

History is taught by a team of highly qualified, experienced and enthusiastic teachers, with a range of historical specialisms.

Study visits develop students understanding of history.