History

History

GCE Advanced Level AS/A2

Course Content
Two courses are on offer at AS and A2 levels

Tudor History
At AS level this course covers the reign of Henry VIII, Martin Luther and the German Reformation and the European Witchcraze from 1580 to 1650. At A2 Level the course looks at other Tudor monarchs including Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I with a focus on protest, crisis and rebellion in the Tudor period. There is a coursework requirement in the second year which will involve study of the Golden Age of Spain from 1474 - 1598.

Modern History
At AS Level we study Weimar and Nazi Germany from 1918 - 1945, Italy from 1896 1943 (including Mussolini and Fascism) and Britain and India from 1900 to 1947. At A2 level the course covers Britains relations with Mussolinis Italy and Hitlers Germany in peace and war, and the cost and consequences of victory in World War II. There is a coursework requirement in the second year which will involve study of Tsarist and Communist Russia from 1856 1964.

How it is Taught
History is taught in a variety of ways at QE. Activities include

• Class debates
• Studying sources
• Videos and DVDs
• Use of ICT
• Essay writing & note taking
• Reading and research

A range of other activities are organised each year. In the past, these have included

• A History essay competition
• Lectures at local universities
• Visits to historical sites in Britain and Europe (Berlin, London, Leeds Armouries and Fountains Abbey have been visited recently)
• A monthly History club which looks at other periods of History, not studied in class

Examination Details
Assessment at AS is by source and essay questions. Two exams are taken in the AS year, one in January and one in the summer. In the second year there is one examination and one coursework unit.

Useful/Common Subject Combinations
History combines well with a number of other subjects and is well regarded both by universities and employers as a qualification for a wide range of courses in Politics, Economics, English, Languages, Art History, Law, Archaeology, Philosophy, Sociology or Theology.

Careers and HE Information
History students go on to a wide range of careers, from areas of obvious relevance like heritage work, teaching or research, to fields like journalism, law, accountancy and management, the civil service, even midwifery!

For more information about History courses at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College

• See the College Prospectus
• Come to Open Evenings
• Contact Gary Darby (Head of Subject) at the College