History

Course summary

In Year 12, students study two 20th Century units. Paper 1 is a thematic study of Britain, 1918-1979 combined with an in-depth study of the differing interpretations of Margaret Thatcher. Paper 2 is an in-depth examination at America, 1920-55. In Year 13, pupils study Tudor England, focusing on the challenge of disorder in a period of social change. With such a broad range of topics and skills, the students will hopefully find the course engaging, particularly the range of debates surrounding topics such as Thatcher. Students also independently complete a coursework essay examining different interpretations of a particular issue. The most important thing needed in A-Level History is enthusiasm. Pupils will be expected to independently 'read around' the topics we cover so that the issues can be discussed, analyzed and debated in class and within essays. They will have to select and use relevant information and develop their answer logically. Additionally, there are source evaluation tasks that require knowledge of the context and critical comment on its provenance, building on GCSE skills. The qualification therefore represents an academic challenge but positively highlights the hard work and analytical skills of students, talents that universities and employers are very aware that History demands.