History
History
History unlocks the patterns of the past to enable us to make sense of the present. Although events ‘rhyme over time’ they do so in their own distinct chime. We explore economic, political, cultural and social themes through the ages to understand the society that we live in today, exploring key themes in distinct historical periods. History is a well respected subject for its research, logical thinking and analytical skills. This enables progression at university and with employers.
The study is breadth and depth. To help students develop a better understanding of the nature of historical evidence, there’s a new approach to the assessment of sources and interpretations. Primary sources and historical interpretations are now assessed separately. Questions use fewer, longer sources and extracts to encourage more sophisticated responses from students.
Paper 1: Breadth
USA 1917-1980s (The American Dream)
A level, there are three sections. Sections A and B are breadth essay questions targeting AO1;
Section C is an interpretation question targeting AO3.
Paper 2: Depth
South Africa and the Rainbow State 1945-1980
Paper 2 is a depth study with sources. It is structured into four key topics and laid out in a more chronological fashion and in more depth than Paper 1.
Starting research on coursework (summer holidays)
Paper 3: Themes in breadth & aspects in depth
Rebellion and disorder under the Tudors 1485-1603
Paper 3 meets the subject criteria requirement for students to show understanding of change over at least 100 years. All Paper 3 topics therefore cover more than 100 years.
Unit 4: Independent research
Coursework (topic to be confirmed)
The topic you choose for coursework can derive from, or relate to, the content of your Paper 1* (as long as not Reagan Topic)
The A Level will be assessed by means of
3 examination papers:
USA
South Africa
Tudor Rebellions
1 coursework module
Paper 1: Breadth study with interpretations 30% A level | 60% AS 2 hours 15 minutes
Students study one of eight options, e.g. Russia 1917–91: from Lenin to Yeltsin.
Assessment
Section A: one breadth essay
Section B: one breadth essay
Section C: one interpretations question
Paper 2: Depth study 20% A level | 40% AS 1 hour 30 minutes
Students study one depth study, e.g. Mao’s China, 1945–76, which has a thematic connection to the breadth study in Paper 1, e.g. communism. There is a choice of two depth studies for each Paper 1 topic.
Assessment
Section A: one source question
Section B: one depth essay
Paper 3: Themes in breadth with aspects in depth 30% A level 2 hours 15 minutes
Students study one topic which covers at least 100 years, e.g. The British experience of warfare c1790–1918. The availability of options in Paper 3 is dependent on the topics studied in Papers 1 and 2 in order to meet the subject criteria requirements.
Assessment
Section A: one source question
Section B: one depth essay A Level only
Section C: one breadth essay
Coursework: 20% - A level Students complete an independently researched enquiry on historical interpretations, e.g. the origins of WW1 or origins of the Cold War. Assessment 3000-4000 word essay
There is a mixture of source analysis and essay writing within the examination papers, analysing historical themes and controversies.
The Exam Board is Edexcel. Here is a link to the outline of the specification.
The course develops students’ conceptual understanding of the key historical ideas of evidence, interpretations, causation and change, through targeted activities.
History develops the skills of:
Analysing representations in a thematic approach.
Structuring essay writing skills and focusing on the main factors.
Developing a balanced approach in your analytical thinking.
Independent research, note taking and logical thinking.
Charting the nature and progress of mankind through different thematic lenses.
History is a popular A Level and degree, which has retained its value over the years and is highly respected.
“History's ability to promote understanding between cultures and between national traditions remains as important as ever." The History Benchmarking Report
If you have any queries about this curriculum, please contact: Mr Daniel Cronin, Head of History, on dc@farlingtonschool.com