(Academic) A Level History

Component 1

1E: Russia, 1917–91: from Lenin to Yeltsin (30% of A Level)

Exam: Breadth study with interpretations. 

Students will learn about the key political, social and economic features of communist rule in Russia during the twentieth century, an era that saw its authority and influence rise to the status of a superpower, only to diminish and decline later in the century.

Component 2

2E.1: Mao’s China, 1949–76 (20% of A Level)

Exam: Depth study 

A depth study of the transformation of  communist China in the years 1949–76. The aftershocks of these changes are still being felt today as China emerges as a great economic and political power on the world stage.

Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the nature and extent of change in this period, the effects of Mao Zedong’s policies on the lives of the Chinese people, and Mao’s role in driving dramatic political, social and economic changes.

Component 3

31: Rebellion and disorder under the Tudors, 1485–1603 (30% of A Level)

Exam: Themes in breadth with aspects in depth

Students will explore the nature of rebellion and disorder under the Tudors and the way the various challenges were met, the nature of change in government over the period and the changing relationship between the Crown and key sections of society. Students will study the way in which, despite a shaky start, the Tudors were able to establish their dynasty as one of the most powerful England has seen. 

Component 4

Coursework (20% of A Level)

Internally assessed, externally moderated.

The purpose of this coursework is to enable students to develop skills in the analysis and evaluation of interpretations of history in a chosen question, problem or issue as part of an independently researched assignment.

The focus is on understanding the nature and purpose of the work of the historian. Students will be required to form a critical view based on relevant reading on the question, problem or issue. They will also be specifically required to analyse, explain and evaluate the interpretations of three historians.