History AS/A Level

Curriculum Area: Humanities

History AS/A Level

There are different history pathways on offer each of which contains a range of historical periods and /or different countries. Choose from the AS pathways shown below.

Pathway 1

Unit 1 Russia in revolution: from autocracy to dictatorship 1881 – 1924 and Stalin’s Russia 1924 – 1953 Unit 2 Britain and Ireland 1867 – 1922

Pathway 2

Unit 1 Ideology, conflict and retreat: the USA in Asia 1950-73 and Black Civil Rights 1945 - 1968 Unit 2 Warfare in Britain 1854-1929

Pathway 3

Unit 1 The Wars of the Roses in England 1455 – 1485 and The Reign of Henry VII 1485 – 1509 Unit 2 Henry VIII: authority, nation and religion, 1509 – 1540

In the second (A2) year all courses will contain an examined option and a coursework option.

Methods of Teaching and Learning

The course is taught by well-qualified members of staff. The approach is active and practical wherever possible. The mix of individual and group work encourages students to take responsibility and initiative. Lectures, case studies, group assignments and presentations are incorporated into the learning programme for this course.

Resources

The History Department will provide basic texts for all the courses on offer. There is also support for student learning in the Library and Information Centre which provides access to the Internet and is well stocked with the latest issues of History books, journals, CD-ROMs and newspapers.

Progression

Advance Level History encourages effective research skills, the ability to evaluate conflicting evidence and helps students to produce a balanced argument. These attributes are accepted as worthwhile skills for a wide range of occupations, although they are particularly useful for careers in law, the media, politics and archive work.

Entry Requirements

You will need five GCSE passes at grade C or above or the equivalent from four subject areas including GCSE English. If you haven’t studied GCSE History your GCSEs will need to include literary based subjects at grades C or above.

Charges

There are no compulsory charges for this course although there may be optional visits where the total cost will be less than £30.