Carmel College History Course Information

history

AS/A2 History

Why choose History at Carmel?

History is a fascinating and challenging subject. You will be looking at massive changes and analysing why they happened. It is not just an account of the past but an investigation of why things happened the way they did. If you have an enquiring mind and enjoy argument this is the subject for you.

Be a part of the thriving, lively and successful department and learn about events that have shaped the world you live in and the people and circumstances that shaped these events.

AS/A2 History

EXAM BOARD: AQA

WHAT WILL I STUDY?

meet the students

There are 4 modules, 2 studied at AS and 2 studied at A2. The course will cover a variety of nineteenth and twentieth century world issues, ranging from nineteenth and twentieth century Russian history to the USA’s involvement in the Vietnam War. Lessons will vary from whole class to group based sessions and there will be many opportunities for individual research.

At A2 Level you will study ‘From Defeat to Unity, Germany 1945-1991’. This unit is essay based and is designed to promote an understanding of change and continuity, incorporating the division of Germany and its subsequent reunification at the end of the period. The final module is a coursework unit analysing the modernisation of Russia, 1855-1964.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED? EMILY GARNER St Gregory’s

Studying: History, Graphic Communication, Psychology

In History I have enjoyed exploring the different histories of a variety of cultures and engaging in in-depth studies of admirable famous figures. I have also visited Berlin with the History department which enhanced my studies of German history. Carmel has provided me with a wide range of choices and opportunities, allowing me to focus and develop my abilities. The facilities here are also very impressive and I have met some brilliant people. After I leave I will continue my education at the University of Leeds.

meet the tutors MARIA BROMLEY Head of Department

BERNIE EVANS History Tutor

KATE GREAVES History Tutor

At AS Level the first module focuses on Britain, 1906-1951. This provides an overview of a period of rapid and significant change affecting British politics, society and the economy. The module will be essay based. The second module will centre on the USA and Vietnam, 1961-1975. It is a source-based paper focussing on the problems faced by the United States, both at home and abroad, as a result of increasing involvement in Vietnam.

There are two exams at AS Level: the first to be taken in January of the first year and the second to be taken in the June. At A2 Level, there will be one exam to be taken in June of the second year, with the coursework elements to be completed by Easter of the second year. You will be assessed throughout the year with regular points and essay tests checking subject knowledge and past paper questions assessing the skills required for each module.

What is the History department like?

From September 2009, History students have been studying in the newly built teaching block which provides a modern and spacious, state-of-the-art learning environment.

Facilities include two well resourced classrooms equipped with interactive white boards, multi-media projectors and wireless internet connection. The department’s resources include access to a computer suite, in addition to a wide range of DVDs and software resources specifically related to the course contents.

Each student will have their own copy of one or more textbooks which will be kept until the module is completed. Furthermore, students will be directed to a wide range of useful websites, specialist articles and an extensive range of books in the Library.

WHERE DOES THIS COURSE LEAD? History is a very versatile subject. Of course you can, and we hope you will, progress to a History or a History related degree (for example Politics, Archaeology or American Studies). Such a degree can lead to career opportunities that are broader than you may think; for example, law, television, research, politics, journalism, publishing, business and management… the list is endless!

However, for many students their final career may not be directly related to their degree (this goes for most subjects) and what will matter is the quality of your degree and the fact that History is a highly valued and respected subject because of the skills it teaches.

WHAT SUPPORT WILL I RECEIVE? Throughout your course you will be supported fully by the department both in and outside the classroom. Lessons will be varied to suit different learning styles and there will always be opportunities for questioning, reinforcement and individual help. If individual problems with content or skills are identified then individual or group tutorials will be available on a weekly basis or you may ask for help at a different time.

You will be given your own “minimum expected grade” very early on and this will enable you to see if you are progressing to the best of your ability and set targets.

All work is marked thoroughly showing clearly what you should do to improve your grade. Poor scoring work can be resubmitted.

Regardless of your future career, an interest in History demonstrates to a future employer that you are open-minded, can make decisions based on evidence, and are interested in the world around you. You will also develop transferable skills such as analysis, evaluation, organisation and presentation of information orally and in written form.

History students standing in front of the Berlin Wall

meet the students ROBERT MCFAWN Wade Deacon

Studying: History, French, German, Maths I have thoroughly enjoyed studying each of the four modules in History and developing both my understanding of British and World History and the use of analytical and critical skills. I have been really impressed by the quality of the facilities available at Carmel to students of all subjects and the dedication and enthusiasm that tutors have for their subjects.

Students are always pushed to achieve the very best that they can.

When I leave I plan to go on to the University of Nottingham to study Modern European Studies, enabling me to continue my study of History and Languages to degree level.

How can I enrich my History studies?

Lectures by specialist historians are available on a variety of topics and these will be booked either for the whole group or just for those who are interested. Local and foreign visits will also be offered to enhance your understanding of the modules. At AS Level, trips to the Imperial War Museum North, Berlin and Auschwitz are offered, whilst at A2 there is the potential for a visit to Russia. All visits will be subject to sufficient interest and availability. In addition to this, ‘History Through Film’ has proven to be a popular choice for students as an Enrichment option. This has involved students watching a variety of world films, ranging from This is England’s portrayal of Britain during the 1980s, to Mississippi Burning’s graphic account of the Civil Rights’ Movement in America. Each film, chosen by the students, is researched in terms of its historical context and then reviewed by the group. Cinema visits are also arranged whenever historically relevant films are released.

Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Watch Tower

Frequently Asked Questions

Auschwitz visit

DO I NEED TO HAVE STUDIED HISTORY AT GCSE LEVEL?

meet the students

No, as long as you have good writing skills and are enthusiastic.

History students, Alex Ellis and Sarah Dunning, were given the opportunity to become involved in the Holocaust Educational Trust’s ‘Lessons from Auschwitz’ Project. This thought provoking venture involved their attendance at two seminars outside of college, plus a day visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD HISTORY STUDENT? An enquiring mind, an ability to see many sides of an issue and an enjoyment of reading.

HEATHER KERNOT St Edmund Arrowsmith, Whiston

Studying: History, English Literature, Philosophy, Psychology, Critical Thinking I am enjoying studying History at AS Level and covering different topics than those at GCSE. It’s more challenging but you develop your ability to communicate your ideas and opinions more effectively. For my Enrichment option I chose ‘History through film’ which helped me to better understand the topic of Nazi Germany. Carmel provides more freedom than school and you are more independent. There are great facilities such as the Library and student work bases where you can go and get your work done and there’s also support if you need it.

more information

The iconic watchtower of Birkenau

Brandenburg Gate, Berlin

Alexanderplatz, East Berlin

How successful are Carmel’s History students?

Number of Entries

A*-C

Overall Pass Rate

A/S

75

85%

100%

A2

39

74%

100%

A/S

93

76%

99%

A2

46

78%

100%

A/S

94

69%

100%

A2

60

93%

100%

2008

The detailed course specification is available from the AQA Exam Board website:

2009

www.aqa.org.uk

2010