Specification

AQA - The specification and assessment structure can be found at the link: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/history/as-and-a-level/history-7041-7042

Aim

To encourage pupils to develop their interest in and enthusiasm for History, and an understanding of its intrinsic value and significance. Pupils will build on their understanding of the past through experiencing a broad and balanced course of study which looks at both British and European History.  Over the two years pupils will develop the ability to ask relevant and significant questions about aspects of the past and understand that history is concerned with judgements based on evidence, and that judgements may conflict or change over time.

By the end of the course pupils will have developed into independent learners and researchers and as critical and reflective thinkers.

Methods of Teaching & Learning

At A Level pupils will use historical terms, concepts and skills and make links and draw comparisons across different time periods or national boundaries.  Pupils will be taught through a variety of methods, including whole group lectures, as well as tutorial style work for individuals and small groups.  Pupils will be encouraged to learn through independent study, particularly with the Historical Investigation module at A Level. 

Qualities and Qualifications Needed to study History In The Sixth Form

It is expected that pupils will have at least a grade 6 in History at GCSE or a grade 6 in their English GCSE.   Pupils need to be good at essay work, source evaluation and willing to work independently.  The most important quality needed is the willingness to work, ask questions and take ownership of your learning.

Why Study History?

By studying History pupils will gain an understanding of the past and also of the world around them.  The subject furnishes the student with valuable skills for a variety of future careers, provides a context to enable us to understand developments in the modern world and is a fascinating study in its own right.  Today’s events – the coalition government, economic depression, involvement in conflicts in the Middle East – all have historical antecedents.  The study of History enables us to place the modern world in an intelligent context and to understand the events of our time.  Knowledge of current affairs is often an essential skill sought by employers and tested at job interviews.  The History student usually impresses with his broad understanding of the background to modern political and social events.

History is a subject which is highly valued by both employers and universities due to the many transferable skills pupils will develop.  In fact the Russell Group universities view History as a “facilitating” subject i.e. one which is frequently required by universities and is seen as having prepared students for degree level study.  They described History as “particularly effective in equipping students with the skills they need for a large number of competitive courses and in increasing a student’s chances of getting on to those courses."  History is a subject which complements Arts subjects and gives a good balance for students.

Paper 1 - Breadth Study: The British Empire, c1857–1967 (1J)

This paper will be a written examination worth 40% of the History A Level and will last 2 hours 30 minutes.  There will be 3 questions and a total of 80 marks for the paper. The content of the paper will be:

Part One:

• The High Water Mark of the British Empire, c1857–1914.
• The development of Imperialism, c1857–c1890.
• Imperial consolidation and Liberal rule, c1890–1914.

Part Two:

• Imperial Retreat, 1914–1967.
• Imperialism challenged, 1914–1947.
• The winds of change, 1947–1967.

Paper 2 - Depth Study: Italy and Fascism, c1900–1945 (2L)

This paper will be a written examination worth 40% of the History A Level and will last 2 hours 30 minutes.  There will be 3 questions and a total of 80 marks for the paper. The content of the paper will be:

Part One:

• The Crisis of Liberal Italy and the Rise of Mussolini, c1900–1926.
• The Crisis of Liberal Italy, c1900–1915.
• The Collapse of Liberal Italy and Mussolini’s Rise to Power, 1915–1922.
• Mussolini and the establishment of Fascist Italy, 1922–1926.

Part Two:

• Fascist Italy, 1926–1945.
• Fascist society, 1926–1940.
• Fascist foreign policies, 1926–1940.
• Fascist Italy and war, 1940–1945.

Paper 3 - Historical Investigation

This should take the form of a question in the context of approximately 100 years. It must not duplicate the content of options chosen for the breadth and depth study.  We currently study the period 1558 to 1642 examining the long and short term causes of the English Civil War.  Pupils must include different historians’ viewpoints and three primary sources to support the arguments made. The Historical Investigation will be between 3000 and 3500 words and will be worth 20% of the History A Level.  It will be marked by teachers and moderated by the examination board.