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History
Student websiteGCSE Course (OCR 1937)
The GCSE HISTORY course is entitled "The Modern World". The examination (syllabus B - subject code 1937) is set by the OCR Examination Board and consists of three components.
- Paper 1 tests the student's ability to recall, select, organise and deploy relevant knowledge, and to define, analyse and explain key events, changes and features of the periods, people, societies or situations studied. Topics include the peace treaties after World War One, the League of Nations and the causes of the Second World War. There is also a depth study of Germany, 1918-45, lasting a term. Paper 1 lasts two hours and carries 45% of the total marks.
- Paper 2 (1 hour 30 minutes) will be a detailed source-based investigation of a historical issue dealing with changes in British society between 1906 and 1918. This component accounts for 30% of the total examination mark.
- Candidates will also be required to complete two coursework assignments which carry 25% of the marks for the examination. The length of each assignment should be around 1250 words. Both will focus upon the First World War.
GCSE History provides an excellent training in analytical thinking; in arranging, sorting and controlling with confidence a wide array of information and ideas; and in explaining and justifying opinions lucidly and convincingly. These skills are, not surprisingly, highly valued by potential employers and History is of great use to those considering careers as varied as the law, banking, journalism, the civil service, management and local government. As a basis for understanding the foundation of modern world politics, the particular course on offer is unrivalled.
A-Level Course (edexcel AS 8264, A 9264)
Full specificationThe successful A-level historian is able to control a mass of facts, arguments and viewpoints in order to present a logically constructed and coherent analysis of a complex historical episode, or situation or process. He or she also, in turn, acquires sophisticated textual analysis and linguistic skills through evaluation of contemporary sources. A-level History develops personal qualities of discernment and discrimination, along with the intellectual self-confidence arising from being able to present and appraise personal judgements cogently and with precision.
The school library has an excellent stock of history books and wide reading along prescribed lines is encouraged at all times.
To ensure that they are provided with breadth of experience, expertise and interest, students will undertake a combination of sixteenth century English and twentieth century European History.
AS-Level Course
Unit 1 (20%)
Russia in Revolution, 1905-17
Unit 2 (15%)
Russia, 1918-29
Unit 3 (15%)
The English Reformation, 1529-47
A2-Level Course
Unit 4 (15%)
Stalin and Destalinisation, 1945 - 64
Unit 5 (15%)
Coursework - The making of Modern Russia
Unit 6 (20%)
The Crisis of the Tudor State, 1547-58
Beyond A-level
The subject is an excellent intellectual training for all types of work which involve complex decision-making, rigorous logical thinking and articulacy. History graduates emerge from university with powerful analytical, communication and research skills which turn them into successful candidates for many careers. A-level History is also perceived by universities as a first class qualification for a wide spectrum of degree courses, such as Law.
Almost all careers, except those which demand specialised technological or scientific qualifications, are open to the suitably qualified student of History. The subject provides an appropriate training for banking, journalism, public service administration and trainee management posts. History graduates often take up management-track posts in every aspect of industry and commerce. Historians also enter the Army and the Churches, while some embark upon postgraduate training in law and accountancy and others opt for journalism and television.