History

Course summary

We cover three very dramatic and contrasting periods of change in History. Two are for examination and students also undertake a Historical Investigation which they research for themselves. - Breadth Study: Tsarist and Communist Russia, 1855-1964. Russia under the tsars; the causes of the 1917 revolutions; the communist rule of Lenin, Stalin, and Khrushchev. - Depth Study: The English Revolution, 1625-1660. The rule of Charles I and the causes of the Civil War; the emergence of radical groups such as the Levelers and Diggers; experiments in a new system of government; the rule of Cromwell and the restoration of Charles II. - Historical Investigation (during the second year) A personal study based on United States Foreign Policy c.1890-1980. This allows students quite a bit of flexibility in terms of their research focus. It is an excellent preparation for university as you will be working independently at your own speed. It comprises an essay and analysis of both primary source material and differences in interpretation between historians. Essay of 4500 words. Marked by the teachers and moderated by AQA. 20% of A-level.