History

Course summary

The A-level course is made up of 4 main areas, three of which will be examined at the end of year 13 and a coursework unit also covered in year 13. In year 12 students will study topics for Paper 1 and Paper 2 with examinations at the end of the year. These topics will be re-examined along with Paper 3 at the end of Year 13 for the A level. Students will use a variety of methods to investigate these topics, including the use of contemporary sources and historical interpretations. Paper 1 Britain Transformed 1918-97 – Themes include post-war economic challenges, creation of social welfare and development of the NHS, development of education, changing living standards and impact of popular culture, entertainment and leisure. Within this, we will look at the growth of cinema and television and the changing status of women, as well as the impact of immigration. Paper 2 The USA, c1920-55: Boom, bust and recovery- topics include the economic boom of the 1920s, changes in society including the KKK, prohibition and organised crime, the Great Depression, Roosevelt and the New Deal, the impact of WW2 and post-war change including the growth of popular entertainment. Paper 3 The Witch Craze in Britain, Europe and North America c1580-c1750 Topics include the changes in the attitudes towards witchcraft in Britain, looking at the impact of sceptical cases and publications. Students also look at the changing view of Science and the role of people such as Galileo and Locke. There are also five case studies looking at Britain, Germany and the Salem witch trials. Coursework – This is an independent piece of work focusing on historical interpretations of a controversial issue. Students will look at the effect of the Blitz during the Second World War and how historians view this. As part of this, students will visit London in year 12.