History

Course summary

History is a very popular and highly regarded subject; often studied alongside Arts and Social Science, English and Geography. The A-level History course explores developments that were pivotal to the creation of the contemporary Western world. You will analyze the actions and beliefs of prominent ruling figures, including Henry VIII, Elizabeth I and Adolf Hitler, and you will also seek to uncover the lives and experiences of ‘ordinary’ people. You will investigate episodes of momentous social and cultural change, such as the Reformation of the Church in England and the Nazi’s racial policies. Throughout your studies, you will examine political activity and the factors behind domestic and foreign policy-making. In the second year you will also produce an independent research project on a theme of your choice relating to African American rights in the USA.