History

The Subject

The History Department’s approach is designed to combine a clear explanation of events with class discussion and detailed work on how to answer questions. We put a lot of stress on planning answers, working in timed conditions and, in general, preparing you to give the examiners exactly what they want, so that they will give you exactly what you want – the right grade.

 

The uses of history

Some people choose to study History at A level because they want to go on and do a History degree. Most of our students, however, use their History qualification to help then to get into a good university to study another subject such as English, Law or Business Studies. University admissions tutors know that someone with a high grade in History will be able to understand a problem quickly, and deal with it using a thorough argument backed by the right evidence. The analytical and communication skills you will develop in History are vital to the study of any subject at university, and indeed for most jobs in business or the professions as well. Students who are fluent with words and arguments will obviously find History attractive, but if you are not, the subject is an ideal way to build up your confidence and expertise. You do not need to have done History GCSE, or have any prior knowledge of the topics we study, although it may help a little at first if you do. History is often studied alongside subjects like English, Classics, Languages, Politics or Economics, but almost any combination is possible.

 

The course

Most people follow a two-year modular course, focusing on key themes in modern history, in particular the challenge posed by twentieth-century dictatorship, and the evolution of democracy. However, the Department is flexible enough to offer other options and periods as required.

The first (AS) year studies the collapse of democracy in Italy and Spain and its evolution in Britain. There is no coursework for AS. The second (A2) year involves a study of Germany 1900–1945 and a research-based coursework essay on Russia under the tsars and communism.

 

 

Preferred Boards: Edexcel, OCR