Subject Department: HISTORY

Examination Board: AQA

AS Code: 5041 A2 Code: 6041

Specification Summary
The subject covers English and European History from the mid 15th Century to the 16th Century. The papers encourage both overview and in-depth approaches. Each module is based around key questions. The third assessment in Year 12 consists of two 1000 word essays on specified topics, which have been prepared in advance, as a variation upon coursework.

Aims of the Course
The specification encourages students to:

	acquire, and effectively communicate, knowledge and understanding of selected periods of history;
	develop an understanding of historical terms and concepts;
	explore the significance of events, individuals issues and societies in history;
	understand the nature of historical evidence and the methods used by historians in analysis and evaluation;
	develop an understanding of how the past has been interpreted and represented;
	develop an understanding of the nature of historical study that history is concerned with judgements based on available evidence and that historical judgements may be provisional.

Course Content Summary - Advanced Subsidiary (AS)

Unit 1
1½ hours - 35% of total AS marks - 17.5% of total A-level marks
European History, 1470 - 1610. This module provides an overview of developments in 16th Century Europe, taking as its major theme religious change both within the Catholic Church and outside it, as exemplified by the emergence of Protestantism.

The written paper consists of two structured questions (each three-part): one compulsory source-based, and one "either/or". These test historical explanations/interpretation, and consider history in length and breadth.

Unit 2
1½ - 35% of total AS marks - 17.5% of total A-level marks

British history, 1485 - 1603. This module provides a study in depth of developments in England between 1485 and 1509, taking as its major concern the establishment of sound and secure government under Henry VII.

The written paper consists of two structured questions (each three-part): one compulsory source-based, and one "either/or". These test evaluation of evidence, and historical interpretations/explanations.

Unit 3
1½ hours - 35% of total AS marks - 17.5% of total A-level marks.

Two course essays, approximately 1000 words each, based on any two of the topics chosen for study in Units 1 and 2. Externally set and marked by the board. Completed under supervised and timed conditions after two weeks' student preparation once the title is known.

Course Content Summary - A2 level

Unit 4
1½ hours – 15% of the total A-level marks

Written Paper: European/World History – Europe in Transition, c1470-1610. One compulsory three-part source-based question and one essay question (from a choice of three). Testing evaluation of evidence, change and continuity over time, historical explanations and judgements.

Unit 5
1½ hours – 15% of the total A-level marks

Written Paper: British History – Britain, 1485-1603. One two-part question and one essay (from a choice of six). Testing historical interpretations, perspectives, explanations and judgements.

Unit 6
1½ hours – 20% of the total A-level marks

Written Paper based on one of the above (Unit 4/5). One compulsory three-part question – "To what extent was Henri IV a modern king?"

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