History - A Level

Exam Body

AQA

Head of Department

Matthew Roberts

History isn’t a subject that is stuck in the past. Far from it!

Historical events have shaped who we are today, and this is true across the world. Did you know that Magna Carta, a document signed in 1215, is the basis of the US constitution?

The A level History course is designed to help pupils understand the value and significance of world events in the past. In the process, they will gain a deeper understanding of social, cultural, religious, and ethnic diversity. Knowing how people lived in the past helps us to understand why people act like they do today.

Skills that history pupils develop:

The ability to analyse.
The ability to make informed criticisms.
Independent research skills.
Organisation.
The ability to listen and work with others.
To develop your own opinion.

This is a two-year A level course with all examinations being taken in year 13.

A-Level Course Content

Unit 1: Breadth Study - The Tudors 1485-1603 - 2 hours 30min written examination (40%).
- This option allows students to study in breadth issues of change, continuity, cause, and consequence in this period through the following key questions:
  - How effectively did the Tudors restore and develop the powers of the monarchy?
  - In what ways and how effectively was England governed during this period?
  - How did relations with foreign powers change and how was the succession secured?
  - How did English society and economy change and with what effects?
  - How far did intellectual and religious ideas change and develop and with what effects?
  - How important was the role of key individuals and groups and how were they affected by developments?
Unit 2: Depth Study - The Birth of the USA 1760-1801 – 2 hours 30min (40%).
- This option provides for the study in depth of the years in which thirteen American colonies chose to sever their links with Great Britain and thus found the USA. This study explores the concepts of imperialism, mercantilism, and legitimate government and encourages students to reflect upon the interplay of forces from below and above, the importance of ideology and the economy in political development, and the issues facing those who attempt to challenge an established authority.

Unit 3: Topic-based essay. This is a 3000-4000
- word essay on a historical topic of the pupil’s choice. This unit is pupil-led research and the topic they will study will be discussed with the teachers (20%)