History

Course summary

The A Level consists of 2 examined units, one based on Britain and the second with a more international focus which are studied concurrently throughout the two-year course. The British unit is entitled The Tudors: England, 1485-1603. This unit allows students to study change, continuity, cause and consequence in the nation at a time of great change and turmoil. Students will investigate issues based on power and politics such as how effectively the Tudors restored and developed the powers of the monarchy, and how effectively England was governed during this period. The continuing question of the succession is also studied. Social history is present in this unit and other domestic themes include changes in the economy and society, the effects of these changes, developments in intellectual and religious ideas and the role of key individuals and groups both in power and outside the political sphere. Finally, students will learn about the changing relations with foreign powers, specifically France and Spain including events such as the Spanish Armada. The international unit is The Cold War, c1945–1991. This unit allows students to study the evolving course of international relations during an era of tension between communist and capitalist powers which threatened nuclear Armageddon in depth. It explores concepts such as communism and anticommunism, aggression and détente and encourages students to reflect on the power of modern military technology, what hastens confrontation and what forces promote peace in the modern world. The course covers events and issues in Europe, Asia and the Americas, such as the origins of the conflict, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Vietnam War and the collapse of communism in Europe at the end of the 1980s.