Sixth Form: History

Subject Overview

At AS and A2 the course looks at Modern World History in Britain, Germany, America and Russia. The course is less about learning simple facts and more about solving historical problems and showing different points of view. In a GCSE History course you learn more about the description of terms and focus on acquiring knowledge, and perhaps do less about the analysis and evaluation of this knowledge. In the AS/A2 level History course you will need to develop your analysis and evaluation skills. Therefore you will not only have to describe knowledge, but also to analyse and draw critical judgements.

At AS/A2 level there is a large emphasis on written style and you will be expected to write in an analytical and precise manner. You will also be expected to structure your work logically and use grammar in the correct manner. 

Syllabus

We follow the EDEXCEL Modern History course.

At AS we study two Units, each making up 50% of the AS. Each unit is examined in June.

  1. Russia 1881-1953 – an essay based course
  2. The changing role of women – a source based course

 At A2 we cover two units

  1. Germany 1900-1945 – an essay based course
  2. Civil Rights in America – coursework

The unit on Germany is worth 70% of the A2 and the coursework is worth 30%.

Entry Requirements and Prohibited Options

At least a grade C in GCSE History. Students with grade B or above in English do well in History.

Activities and Trips

The department run a trip to Germany and Poland every other year to look at life in Nazi Germany and the Final Solution . This is not compulsory but rewarding and thought provoking.

Expected Costs

There are no compulsory trips. The department provides all books for a deposit of £15 which is returned at the end of the course when books are brought back.

Complementary Subject Combinations and Enrichment Activities

English, Economics, Politics

Subject Resources

Books

  • Bartley, Paula — The Changing Role of Women 1815-1914,  Hodder and Stoughton 1996Audio file
  • Edexcel GCE History – The Changing role of Women in Britain 1860-1930, Heinemann 2008Audio file
  • Russia 1918-1956 – M LynchAudio file
  • Russia and the USSR 1855-1991 Autocracy and Dictatorship – S LeeAudio file
  • Lenin and the Russian Revolution – S PhillipsAudio file
  • Lenin: A Biography – R ServiceAudio file
  • Lenin’s Russia – A WhiteAudio file

Schemes of Work

Past Papers

Courses References

Useful Links (internal and external)

Other Information

Further information can be obtained from Mrs L PriorEmail icon