History

Course summary

What was the real reason why Margaret Thatcher became known as the Iron Lady? What were the origins of the Jim Crow laws? Why was Charles I’s head sewn back on to his body after his execution? With the exception of the last question (which you may not want to know the answer to), A-level History explores themes and concepts beyond those studied at GCSE, with your opinion and argument at the centre of classroom discussion and debate. Combined with a focus on key details, events and individuals, we will explore the development of the twentieth-century world in two contrasting yet fascinatingly diverse modern-world contexts. If KS3 and GCSE study instilled a passion and inquisitiveness in you for all things historical, then A-level History allows you to research, examine and judge events in a more open and increasingly academic environment. Unit 1K: Breadth study; The Making of a Superpower: USA, 1865–1975 Unit 2S: Depth study; The Making of Modern Britain, 1951-2007 The course will consist of three components, which are taken from topics ranging over a two-hundred-year period of history. The topics are chosen to present students with a wide range of historical issues, social and political history and international relations with an inherent focus on the USA and Britain. The course tackles different skills – handling evidence, writing essays, evaluating interpretations and source material to consider both historical debate and reliability, and studying historical themes.