What will I gain from doing this course

Aims/Objectives























What will I do

An interest in and enthusiasm for history and an understanding of its intrinsic value and significance.

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

The subject covers British and European History from the mid 15th Century to the early 17th Century. The papers encourage both overview and in-depth approaches. The first is ‘Change and Consolidation’, which includes how societies change over time and how governments respond to the need for change. The second ‘Periods of Change’ looks at significant periods of history. At A2 there are two more themes: ‘The State and the People: Change and Continuity’ which covers the relationship between the state and the citizen over a 50 year period and an ‘Historical Enquiry’.

Unit 1-Britain,1483-1529
1¼ hours - 50% of total AS marks - 25% of total A-level marks
The written paper consists of three structured questions (each 2-part) from which candidates choose two. These test understanding of change over time

Unit 2-Henry 1V of France, 1589-1610
1¼ hours - 50% of total AS marks - 25% of total A-level marks
The written paper consists of one compulsory ( two-part ) source based question and one structured( two-part ) question from a choice of two.
These test understanding of a significant period of history in depth.

Unit 3-The Triumph of Elizabeth: Britain1541-1603
1½ hours –30% of the total A-level marks
The written paper consists of two essay questions from a choice of three. These test understanding in depth and breadth.

Unit 4-Historical Enquiry (Personal Study)
20% of the total A level marks.


Unit 1-Britain,1483-1529

• This unit provides an overview of developments in England between 1483 and 1529, taking as its major focus the growth of political stability, from the instability of the reign of Richard 111 to the establishment of secure government by Henry V11 and the development of Tudor rule under Henry V111, to the fall of Wolsey in 1529.
  

Unit 2-Henry 1V of France, 1589-1610

• This unit provides an opportunity to examine a period of the French monarchy which began in severe decline at the end of the French Wars of Religion and emerged in 1610 as a much stronger institution
  

Unit 3-The Triumph of Elizabeth: Britain1541-1603

• This unit promotes an understanding of change and continuity over a period of 60 years, during which the power of the Tudor state was strengthened, despite recurrent threats to national and religious unity and continuing problems of the succession
  

Unit 4-Historical Enquiry (Personal Study)

• This unit requires students to submit an Historical Enquiry, based on the investigation of an historical issue, showing understanding of change over 100 years. The study should be approximately 3500 words.
  

The teaching of this subject will encourage effective and independent learners capable of critical and reflective thinking.

In the classroom, library, ICT room where appropriate.

Individual support from subject staff throughout duration of course.

From History Department staff.