History
Details of the Examination Specification
History Cambridge International (9489)
Copy of A Level History at QEII.mp4What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course?
The History courses at A Level are designed to make you think, argue and debate. Some of the topics offered will be new; some will be building on content covered at IGCSE. What is important is that you should really enjoy studying History, have an enquiring mind, a real interest in the past and its relevance to current affairs and an ability to communicate your ideas effectively. Cambridge International AS and A-Level History is recognised around the world by schools, universities and employers. Our Department takes great pride in the level of attainment of our pupils where we consistently outperform other Island schools.
What will I learn on this A Level course?
To explore the significance of events, individuals, issues and societies in History
To develop your understanding of how the past has been interpreted and represented
To analyse, evaluate and use historical evidence to make judgements and to support and present your argument, case or account
To develop your understanding of the nature of historical study; for example, that history is concerned with judgements based on available evidence and those historical judgements may change.
What kind of student is this course suitable for?
AS/Advanced History provides an excellent foundation for a variety of careers including Law, Management, Media and Journalism as well as History-related employment. The course we offer is designed to provide a well-rounded education, which prepares students for the modern world. Our teaching sessions often take the form of seminars; occasionally lectures, and we expect our students to be prepared to take part in discussions, which are sometimes informal and sometimes prepared in advance. To be successful in these courses, you must have a genuine love of reading; textbooks do provide a basic understanding, but to get to grips with the unfamiliar world of the past, you must be prepared to read widely and to make your own notes outside formal lessons.
What examinations will I have to take to get my qualification?
The course consists of four units of assessment which are summarised below.
Year 12
Units 1 and 2: European option: Modern Europe, 1750-1921
Year 12 consists of two units that will be based on the topics listed below. Every year, one of these topics is prescribed for Paper 1. For Paper 2 candidates answer two two-part questions on the remaining content.
Paper 1: Students will analyse and evaluate historical sources to reach judgements on their messages. (1 hour 15 mins—20% of A-Level)
Paper 2: Students will apply their historical judgement to analyse cause and consequence in order to make historical arguments and reach supported judgements (1 hour 45 mins—30% of A-Level)
France, 1774-1814
The Industrial Revolution in Britain, 1750-1850
Liberalism and nationalism in Germany, 1815-71
The Russian Revolution, 1894-1921 (Prescribed for Paper 1 for 2022 exam)
Year 13
Unit 3 - The Origins and Development of the Cold War, 1941-1950—1 hour 15 mins examination (20%)
This unit allows students to study a historical issue in detail and evaluate why historians have different views. This will enable students to develop and understand the nature of the discipline of History, and the ways in which History is produced.
Unit 4 - Europe of the Dictators (1918-1941) - 1 hour 45 mins examination (30%)
This allows students to investigate two dictatorships of the Twentieth Century and answer questions on them.
Stalin’s Russia, 1924-1941
Hitler’s Germany, 1929-1941
What does the exam look like?
Please use the link to view specimen papers.