History

Sixth Form study of History will give you the opportunity to be educated in the fullest sense of the word. You will learn to think independently, organise your ideas, analyse problems and reach informed decisions. History is intellectually demanding and highly respected.

Universities and employers know that History students are well trained in critical analysis, logical argument and substantiated judgement, skills vital for a wide range of careers.

Studying History will give you a sense of perspective and proportion as well as an understanding of different times and cultures. The Sixth Form Centre has a dedicated History area, well stocked with texts and other resources. A seminar approach allows discussion, debate and stimulus for independent study. Field trips, for example, visits to the National Portrait Gallery for on-site lectures, and a guided tour of the Palace of Westminster enhance understanding of the taught courses. From September 2007 students will be able to use their own writing tablets, and this will assist greatly in drafting and then refining written responses to assignments. In this way, precise language skills will be honed to allow critical analysis of sources and essay style to be perfected. We intend to introduce the IB Diploma as an alternative to A levels which would give you a choice between either 16th and 19th century studies or modern world, 19th and 20th centuries.

A Level

What will you study for Advanced Level History, AS and A2?

We are fortunate to have well qualified and enthusiastic staff with a passion for History who offer a wide choice of courses. At AS Level you will study two 19th century British social, economic and political modules as well as one 16th century Spanish module. The document paper currently involves a study of a range of topics concerning the “Condition of England” question between 1832 and 1853. The examination paper requires candidates to answer two questions based on four unseen sources. The first question requires a comparison of two sources and the second question broadens your enquiry to consider the whole range of sources in an essay. You will extend your essay writing skills by preparing a module which examines the weaknesses of the Conservative Party, 1846 to 1880 and its re-emergence under Disraeli. The 16th century European module examines the reign of Charles I of Spain, the emergence of Spain as a great power, the Habsburg/Valois conflict, the clash with the Muslim world and the impact on Spain of the New World.

At A2 Level there are also three modules. We develop the skills acquired at AS by continuing with a source based investigation, Philip II of Spain, and a study of Tudor foreign policy. You also have the exciting opportunity to devise and write your own coursework on a topic of interest to you. This will involve independent research into primary and secondary sources.

The IB History Course

We intend to offer the choice of IB History to Sixth form students. This will be taught holistically, from an international perspective, including studies of different societies and cultures. The Diploma programme aims to explain trends and developments, continuity and change through time and through individual events. The course is concerned with individuals and societies in the widest context: political, social, economic, religious, technological and cultural. During the course, you will be encouraged to reflect on the role of the historian. Does the historian record history or create it? Can the selection and interpretation of material be free of bias? What makes a good historian?

The IB Diploma may be studied at Standard Level or Higher Level. At both Levels you will study for Paper 1, which prescribes a study of the USSR under Stalin. Paper 2 requires a study of 20th century world history topics: the causes, practices and effects of war and the rise and rule of single party states. Additionally, all students will carry out their own historical investigation. Higher Level students will also prepare for Paper 3, which is a regional European paper studying a range of countries over a 100 year period, spanning the later 19th century to the 1990s.

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