History

History

Why choose History?

History trains the mind to think, analyse, argue and to provide explanations. You will acquire the ability to make effective use of your knowledge and understanding of the topics you study. You will also develop your skills at evaluating and interpreting sources of evidence. The ability to distinguish different approaches to and opinions about the past will also be learnt. Above all, you will develop the ability to write clear, concise and logical answers to historical questions.

What does the course involve?

You will study three topics in the course of Year 12 and a further two in Year 13. During Year 13 you will have the opportunity to complete an individual assignment of about 2500 words on an historical topic of your choice.

There are a range of topics studied in the two years and these may include ‘Votes for Women 1880 –1918’, ‘Weimar Germany 1918 – 1929, and ‘The Origins of the First World War’. Other topics could include ‘The Nazi State 1933 – 1939’, ‘The State and the Poor in Britain 1830 –1939’ and ‘The Development of the Mass Media 1896 – 1996’. The topics will provide a coherent course of study as both British and European history are studied and the focus of the topics outlined above covers social, political and diplomatic history.

How is this course taught?

Wide ranges of teaching approaches are used, reflecting the varied teachers. There will be source analysis, focused reading, organised discussions, ‘hot seating’, role-plays and plenty of structured writing practice. Overall, the teachers expect you to get involved, to think and discuss the issues under consideration. It is important that you can think for yourself, express your own opinions and be prepared to challenge the views of others, whilst accepting their challenge to you.

How is the course assessed?

There are exam papers at the end of Year 12. Some of them will involve answering questions based on a range of sources (similar to Paper 2 of GCSE) and the others will contain essay questions. The topic on the Origins of the First World War will be assessed by a coursework assignment of approximately 2500 words. There are two exams at the end of Year 13 for those going on to take A level. You will also have to complete the individual assignment mentioned above.

Why is it valuable?

History helps not only to understand a complicated world but also provides many of the skills to cope with it. These skills are highly sought after by many employers, colleges and universities. History is an academic subject and carries much status. It can open the way for higher education in a variety of Arts-based degree courses. History is a good general qualification for careers in the Civil Service, Banking, Insurance, Teaching, the Armed Forces, the Police and is particularly relevant to careers in law.

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