History A-level OCR (H505)
Why choose this course? History A-level offers students the opportunity to investigate historical questions in depth. It is designed to develop students’ interest in and enthusiasm for history and an understanding of its intrinsic value and significance. The course covers a variety of topics across time periods and ranges from political to social history. Students develop their analytical thinking, their research skills, and their academic writing.
Course content The course consists of three taught units which are assessed through formal examinations and one independent research coursework unit, as follows: Unit 1: British period study and enquiry Britain 1930–1997 (Enquiry topic: Churchill 1930–1951) This is a source-based study of British History and Politics which looks at domestic policies as well as an in-depth look into Churchill as PM. The various Conservative and Labour Governments and Britain’s position in the world during this particular period will also be examined. Unit 2: Non-British period study Democracy and Dictatorships in Germany 1919–1963 This study looks at the establishment and development of the Weimar Republic: 1919–Jan 1933, The establishment of the Nazi Dictatorship and its domestic policies Feb 1933–1939, the impact of war and defeat on Germany 1939-1949, Divided Germany: The Federal Republic and the DDR 1949–1963 Unit 3: Thematic study and historical interpretations Britain and Ireland 1791–1921 This theme focuses on the relationship between mainland Britain and Ireland during the period 1791–1921. Support and Opposition to the Union, Irish Rebellions and British Responses and the Crisis over Home Rule will be examined and explored. Unit 4: Non-exam assessment - Topic based essay The Topic based essay is an independently researched essay of 3000–4000 words in length. This unit is a non-exam assessment. The work will be marked by centres and moderated by OCR.
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Enrichment opportunities
Progression routes
This course will include a field trip to Ireland and the Houses of Parliament. The department is also looking at the feasibility of a field trip to Berlin.
History provides the skills and intellectual grounding that will open many doors. Whilst particularly suited as preparation for any arts degree, history students are also successful in the sciences having acquired advanced analytical skills. History leads to many careers; particularly, law, journalism, research, public relations, management, teaching, Civil Service, museum and archive work.
