History 2013

AS/A2 Level 2013 Entry

History

1987-2012

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History is a fascinating and challenging subject

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It is not just an account of the past but an investigation of why things of inspiring happened the way they did individuals

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If you have an enquiring mind and enjoy argument, this is the subject for you

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The History department is thriving, lively and successful

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Trips to the Imperial War Museum North, Berlin and Auschwitz are offered

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Provides many transferable skills which will give you numerous career options

25 Years

1987-2012 25 Years of inspiring individuals

Dave’s

Perspective

AS/A2 History Exam Board AQA What will I study?

Carmel’s great because the tutors are extremely friendly, easy to talk to and supportive. I have especially enjoyed studying History at Carmel because you get to discuss and learn about past issues and people and gain an understanding of how it is relevant to today. Duke of Edinburgh at Carmel has also been a good experience as you get to meet different people, do things that are really enjoyable and challenging, and ultimately develop as a person. The History trip to London has been a highlight of my year as I got to visit the capital and stay on board the HMS Belfast, on the Thames! What has impressed me about Carmel is how easy it is to meet new people and how relaxed the place is. I find this really beneficial. After Carmel I intend to go to university to study one of my A Level subjects, although I have not yet made a decision.

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 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 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.

Students Jessica and Andrew at the gates of the infamous Auschwitz Concentration Camp in Poland

Dave Cogan St Augustine of Canterbury Studying: History, Law, Politics, Combined English

Meet the Tutors Maria Bromley Head of Department Bernie Evans History Tutor

At A2 Level you will study ‘From Defeat to Unity, Germany 19451991’. 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, 18551964.

How will I be assessed?

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.

History students standing in front of the Berlin Wall

What is the History department like?

History students study in a 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.

Harriet’s

Perspective Where does this course lead?

What support will I receive?

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!

Throughout your course you will be supported fully by the department both in and out of 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.

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.

Regardless of your future career, an interest in History demonstrates to a future employer that you are openminded, 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.

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

I chose History at Carmel as I really enjoyed the course at GCSE. I am fascinated by most areas within the subject and I especially enjoy forming my own opinions on judgements made by politicians and other historical figures. It has definitely made me want to be more aware of what’s going on around me, as one day, there’ll be students learning about events that occurred in my lifetime. Recently, I took part in a History trip to London, which I loved. We visited the Churchill War Rooms and Imperial War Museum.

These were so enjoyable and really helped me grasp an understanding of the feelings experienced by Britain during the period of history we were studying at the time.

History has taught me how to communicate effectively and how to adopt an analytical approach. It has bettered my listening skills and I have seen a definite improvement in the way I write and how I articulate my thoughts and opinions. History is extremely useful and enjoyable so if you are passionate about this subject, I strongly recommend that you take it.

Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Watch Tower

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.

Harriet Moran St Gregory’s Catholic High School Studying: History, Biology, Chemistry, Maths

Meet the Tutors Emily Jackson History Tutor Karl Reid History Tutor

Russell’s

Perspective Choosing to study History at Carmel is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. From the start, it’s been interesting, enjoyable and challenging. The tutors here are all really supportive; if you’re ever stuck or want some advice they’re always there to help out! There are plenty of opportunities outside the classroom to get involved with too. For example, last year I went to London and Berlin with the History department.

Both trips were amazing learning experiences and a great opportunity to make new friends.

I’ve really enjoyed the course at Carmel, it’s opened my eyes to so many different aspects of history - it’s so varied that there really is something to suit everybody. My time here helped me to decide that this was the direction I wanted to take and has equipped me with the skills to do it! I’d recommend History here to anyone, as long as you’re prepared to work hard and keep up to date; it really is a great opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions What are the entry requirements for AS History?

You will need GCSE grade B in History or Humanities (if studied) or grade B in English Language.

What makes a good History student?

An enquiring mind, an ability to see many sides of an issue and an enjoyment of reading.

Auschwitz visit History students 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.

Students visit London and spend a night below deck on HMS Belfast

Russell is now at Cambridge University reading History.

Brandenburg Gate, Berlin

Alexanderplatz, East Berlin

How successful are Carmel’s History students?

Russell Jones Wade Deacon High School Studied: History, Law, Government and Politics

More Information The detailed course specification is available from the AQA Exam Board website: www.aqa.org.uk

Number A*-C Overall

of Entries Pass Rate 2009 AS 93 76% 99%

A2 46 78% 100% 2010 AS 94 69% 100%

A2 60 93% 100% 2011 AS 112 84% 99%

A2 66 99% 100% 2012 AS 121 62% 98%

A2 87 93% 100%