Archbishop McGrath Catholic High School: Sixth Form Virtual Open Evening

“ HISTORY IS WHAT MAKES US.”

David Starkey.

Aims and Objectives

The WJEC AS and A level in History encourages learners to:

develop their interest in and enthusiasm for history and an understanding of its intrinsic value and significance
acquire an understanding of different identities within society and an appreciation of aspects such as social, cultural, religious and ethnic diversity, as appropriate
build on their understanding of the past through experiencing a broad and balanced course of study
improve as effective and independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers with curious and enquiring minds
develop the ability to ask relevant and significant questions about the past and to research them
acquire an understanding of the nature of historical study, for example, that history is concerned with judgements based on available evidence and that historical judgements are provisional
develop their use and understanding of historical terms, concepts and skills
make links and draw comparisons within and/or across different periods and aspects of the past
organise and communicate their historical knowledge and understanding in different ways, arguing a case and reaching substantiated judgements.

The WJEC AS and A level in History is both distinctive and attractive, giving learners the opportunity to:

study the history of more than one country or state including both British and at least one outside the British Isles

study specific aspects of the past in breadth and in depth

study change and/or development over a period of time both long term (at least 100 years) and short term

study the nature and purpose of history as a discipline and how historians work.

The A-Level course is split into 4 modules which are studied over the two year period.

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Module one:

Revolutions and new ideas1789-1890:

Concert of Europe/Italian unification/German unification/Russian tsars 1825-81

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Module two and four:

Britain 1900-1939.

An in-depth study of the social, political and economic changes that Britain experienced in the first half of the 20th century

Module 3: USA 1890-1990

A synoptic study of American foreign policy and civil rights during this era.

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Module five:

Pupils engage in an independent investigation based on interpretations of Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights movement.

A-Level externally examined results 2017-2019: pass A-C

**2017– A*-A: 27%**

2017- A*-C: 82%

2017– A*-E: 100%

2018-A*-A: 20%

2018-A*-C: 80%

2018-A*-E: 100%

2019-A*-A: 18%

2019-A*-C: 82%

2019-A*-E: 100%

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Testimony

History GCSE was one of my favourite subjects due to the fact that I found the content fascinating and the lessons engaging. Furthermore, I have always enjoyed reading around the subject and widening my knowledge. For this reason, I chose to take history as one of my A Level options.

Personally, I have found A levels to be more demanding than GCSEs, however, I would also say that they are far more rewarding. I have found that my essay writing skills from GCSE have improved and the skills I have obtained are transferable between other subjects, especially those that are humanities based. As a subject, A Level history requires a lot of independent study and extra reading. This reading is essential to gain all of the knowledge needed to complete essays.

One of my favourite parts of studying history A Level has been the opportunity to study new topics that I have not covered in previous years. In relation to the Wales and England unit, I have particularly enjoyed looking at the politics of the time as this is one of my particular interests. On the other hand, in relation to the Europe unit, I am enjoying studying a time period that I have not encountered previously. It has been clear to me that the skills you obtain through GCSE history are further developed at A Level. I have found that the opportunity to engage in wider reading to be expansive and therefore, you can gain a lot of insight into the particular areas that you enjoy.

Additionally, I have found both of my history teachers to be supportive and knowledgeable. They provide many resources in order to aid your learning and are happy to answer any questions that you may have. I also felt that I was very well prepared to write my first essays as they provided me with plenty of examples and other supportive materials. It is clear that they want each individual to achieve the best grade possible and provide the support they need in order to do this.

Although I have not completely decided what I want to study at university, I am strongly considering studying history. If I do pursue this path, or another humanities-based course, the skills that I am acquiring through studying history at A Level will be undoubtedly transferable.

To conclude, I would highly recommend taking history A Level for anyone who enjoyed the subject at GCSE. Although I have found the subject to have one of the biggest jumps, difficulty wise, it has also continued to be my favourite subject. The range of content allows you to expand your knowledge and the skills that you develop allow you to become a more well-rounded individual. However, if you do not enjoy independent study and extra reading, the subject may not be suitable for you as it requires a lot of additional effort outside of your lessons.

Good luck choosing your A Levels!

Year 12 Student