History

Course summary

History enables us to understand the society in which we live today. It helps us to appreciate the civil rights we can easily take for granted such as democracy and freedom of speech. Historians are in demand in professions where a knowledge of politics and citizenship are vital such as law, journalism, the civil service and in education. Historians have analytical minds and love to talk, discuss and argue. They think logically and critically and are confident in their own opinions while respectful of others. History is exciting. Many of our students choose to study it at university. Many more continue to be fascinated by the colourful stories of the past and read books and watch television programs long after their studies are over. There is no escaping the past for, without an understanding of where we came from, how can we work out where we are at present and where we are likely to go in the future? Features of the Course In Year 12, students study Britain in the period from 1900-1951, including an in-depth source inquiry on the 1900-1918 period. The second (and contrasting) Year 12 unit is The Crusades and the Crusader States (1095-1192) which, whilst being a fascination in its own right, will help students identify the context behind some of the contemporary ongoing problems in the Middle East. There is no coursework in Year 12. In Year 13, students examine the turbulent history of Russia in the 19th and 20th centuries, by comparing the country under the Tsars and the Communists. They also produce a 3000-4000 word coursework style essay. There is some scope for individual flexibility here in terms of essay topic and title. Key topics studied UnitY112: Britain 1900-1951. Unit Y203: The Crusades and the Crusader States (1095-1192). Unit Y318: Russia and Its Rulers 1855-1964. Unit Y100: own choice topic-based essay.