History A level
Please note
There has been a change to the course being offered, Paper 3 will not be Rebellion and disorder under the Tudors , and will now be the British Experience of Warfare.
Entry requirements
- GCSE History Grade 6 or above
- GCSE English Grade 6 or above
Course outline/objectives
These modules are linked by the common theme of a search for rights, freedoms and greater equality during the twentieth century. In the USA, the quest for political, social and economic advancement looked mainly to reform existing structures. In South Africa, this quest led to more radical outcomes, bringing an end to the apartheid regime. Studying two different countries allows students to develop a greater understanding of both similarities and differences in the search for greater rights, freedoms and equality in the twentieth century world.
Students will also have the opportunity to study a period of early modern British history by investigating challenges faced by Tudor monarchs. As well as this they will be able to hone their research skills by writing a 3000 – 4000 word piece of coursework on a historical debate.
Course content
Edexcel A Level History, Route F: Searching for rights and freedoms in the twentieth century
In search of the American Dream: the USA, 1917–96
- The changing political environment
- The quest for civil rights
- Society and culture in change
- The changing quality of life
South Africa, 1948–94: from apartheid state to ‘rainbow nation’
- The response to apartheid, c1948–59
- Radicalisation of resistance and the consolidation of National Party power, 1960–68
- Redefining resistance and challenges to National Party power, 1968–83
- The end of apartheid and the creation of the ‘rainbow nation’, 1984–94
The British experience of warfare, 1790-1918
- Aspects in breadth – the changing role of government in preparing the nation for war
- Aspects in depth – Britain at war overseas: the French Wars 1793-1815, The Crimean War 1854-56, The Second Boer War 1899-1902, and the First World War, 1914-18
Coursework:
- Students carry out an independently-researched enquiry requiring them to analyse and evaluate historical interpretations and to organise and communicate the findings.
- The assignment is set by the school on a question, problem or issue that has generated disagreement among historians.
Assessment:
Future opportunities:
- The skills you will learn studying A level history provide an excellent foundation for History, Law, English and Philosophy degrees as well as a range of careers.
- History teaches you a variety of skills which are valuable in your later education or careers, including the ability to research, analyse and evaluate information, to form supported and evidenced judgements and to communicate complex ideas.
- History teaches you to understand the world we live in, without understanding the past how can we know what is happening in the present or see what could happen in the future?
Who to speak to for more information:
Miss E Robertshaw, Head of History, e.robertshaw@kwschool.co.uk