History

Why study A Level History?

The study of the past looks at exciting real-life stories of revolutions, wars, monarchs and dictators, development of Parliament, technological developments, competing ideologies and the impact on ordinary people around the globe.  

By analysing primary evidence and looking at different interpretations of events you will learn to appreciate multiple points of view and be able to build your own arguments using supporting evidence.  You will develop critical thinking skills, sharpen your analytical skills and improve both your verbal and written communication of ideas.
We teach two cohorts of c.150 students; our specialist staff teach these students in three dedicated classrooms.  

We have developed extensive departmental resources which are updated annually to reflect developments in historiography.  Specialist guidance and support is available for students wishing to study History at university and for those making Oxbridge applications.

Course overview

Unit 1D: Stuart Britain, 1603-1702
The Three Kingdoms of the British Isles in the 17th century were transformed by intense political and religious conflicts that led to civil wars, the execution of King Charles I, the abolition of the monarchy and the imposition of a republic under Oliver Cromwell. Following the Restoration in 1660, the Three Kingdoms experienced further political and religious turmoil which led to the foundation in the 1690s of a constitutional monarchy and the foundation of a military-fiscal state. 
This unit will develop your ability to evaluate historical interpretations as well as develop essay writing skills for themes in breadth. 
 
Unit 2R: Cold War, 1945-1991 
The years after World War Two were defined by the Cold War, a prolonged ideological and diplomatic struggle between the USA and the USSR during an age in which
the development and deployment of nuclear technology at times threatened humanity’s very existence. Alongside this the political shape of Eastern Europe, China, and the developing countries across South-East Asia, Africa and Latin America was subjected to frequent changes as a consequence (and cause) of superpower rivalry.
This unit will develop your ability to analyse contemporary sources, as well as develop essay writing skills for themes in depth.
 
Unit 3: Russia, 1855-1953 (NEA)
Before 1917, Russian emperors (or tsars) claimed to possess God-given authority. World War One created the revolutionary conditions that, in 1917, resulted in the overthrow of tsarism and the establishment of the world’s first Communist dictatorship under Lenin, and his successor Stalin. 
This unit will develop your research skills, as well as reinforce the skills of essay writing, interpretation evaluation and source analysis.

How is the course assessed?

Unit 1 – 40% Stuart Britain, 1603-1702

• Exam
• 2 hrs 30 mins 
• One compulsory question linked to historical interpretations
• Two essays from a choice of three

Unit 2 – 40% Cold War, 1945-1991

• Exam
• 2 hrs 30 mins
• One compulsory question linked to contemporary sources
• Two essays from a choice of three

Unit 3 – 20% Russia, 1855-1953

• Non-examined unit 
• (coursework)
• One essay c.4000 words which incorporates analysis of both contemporary sources and historical interpretations

What will I do in lessons?

There will be 5 hours of teaching each week.

This will comprise teacher-led whole class discussion and questioning; paired and small group discussions; reading; application of knowledge; skills development practice and feedback.  
The department has extensive resources which are available via SharePoint. 

What independent study will be expected?

A minimum of 5 hours of independent study is expected each week.

This will comprise preparatory reading, note-taking from reading or documentaries, consolidation of knowledge through factual quizzes, skills practice in planning and writing essays, source and extract questions, and revision for exams.

To be successful at A Level you must go above and beyond resources offered in class or for homework.  You are expected to complete a minimum of 5 additional hours of History related work per week.  You will be provided with reading lists, and you need to read academic texts and articles in order to develop both a comprehensive knowledge and a deeper understanding of differing historical interpretations.  

Exam Board

AQA

Link to specification

GCSE entry requirements

• 5 in Mathematics required
• 6 in English Language required
• 6 in History required (if taken at GCSE)
• 6 in an essay writing subject required if History not taken at GCSE (e.g., Eng. Literature, Geography etc.)

What A Levels go well with this one?

English and any of the Humanities subjects (Politics, Classics, Philosophy, Law, Sociology, RS)

What can I do beyond A Levels with this subject?

History A Level is extremely well respected by top universities and is considered a facilitating subject by the Russell Group universities.  It can lead to a diverse range of career paths which might include: 

• Law
• Government and politics
• Journalism
• Museums and heritage
• Business and finance
• Human resources
• Education

Frequently asked questions

What extracurricular opportunities are offered by the History department?

The very popular History Academy runs as part of Woodhouse Plus, and gives both history students and non-history students the opportunity to explore other periods and regions that are not covered on the A Level History curriculum.  It provides the opportunity to listen to guest lectures from historians and university lecturers, go on trips to local museums, galleries and university campuses, and to research and present on a personal area of interest.  
The department also hopes to offer a military modelling club.

Are there any trips?

We usually run trips to study days for students to hear lectures first-hand from eminent historians.  We have in the past run a residential trip to Berlin. We are looking into the feasibility of running a residential trip to Budapest to enhance our Cold War studies.