History

Course

The History course at A-level allows us to study from a range of different countries and periods and will, therefore, offer a wider perspective on the nature of history than suggested by studying a single period alone. It is the breadth of the course which is the real strength of what we offer and best prepares our pupils for further study at university. Moreover, we hope that the topics are relevant to, and help inform, many contemporary debates.

Assessment

Component 1 The British Empire, c.1857 – 1967

Component 2 The American Dream: reality and illusion, 1945–1980 This option allows pupils to study in breadth issues of change, continuity, cause and consequence in this period through the following key questions: 40%

· Why did the British Empire grow and contract? · What influenced imperial policy? · What part did economic factors play in the development of the British Empire? · How did the Empire influence British attitudes and culture? · How did the indigenous peoples respond to British rule? · How important was the role of key individuals and groups and how were they affected by developments?

In the Lower Sixth the focus shall be on the British Empire before the First World War. Topics include: the Indian uprising and the establishment of the Raj; exploration and expansion in Africa; the Zulu and Boer Wars; opposition to Empire. In the Upper Sixth we shall focus on the decline of Empire. Topics include: Gandhi, Partition and Indian Independence; Windrush; Mau Mau uprisings in Malaya and Kenya; the Suez Crisis. This option provides for a study in depth of the challenges faced by the USA at home and abroad as it emerged from the Second World War as a Superpower. For many Americans, post-war prosperity realised the ‘American dream’ but the prosperity was not shared by all and significant problems at home and abroad challenged the extent to which the ‘American dream’ was a reality. It explores concepts and ideas such as American identity at home and abroad, anticommunism, social equality, ethnic identities and federal versus states’ rights. It also encourages pupils to reflect on the nature of democracy in a pluralist society, political protest and the power of the media. 40%

Component 3 Independent Investigation

Examination Board: AQA In the Lower Sixth the focus shall be on the presidencies of Truman, Eisenhower, and Kennedy. Topics include: McCarthyism, Civil Rights, the Cold War, and the Cuban Missile Crisis. In the Upper Sixth pupils study the presidencies of Johnson, Nixon, Ford and Carter. Topics include: Civil Rights legislation, protest movements, Watergate, superpower rivalries, and the Vietnam War. The final component of the A-Level is an independent study focused on the witchcraze in early modern Europe. The investigation should be 3000-4000 words long 20%

Additional Notes

We would welcome any pupil who has an interest in History! Pupils need not have taken GCSE History in order to do well at A-Level. However, they should have an enjoyment of reading and be able to write competently.