History

STATEMENT OF INTENT FOR HISTORY

History students at Charters School will be curious and inspired by the dilemmas, choices and beliefs of people in the past. Through the study of local, national and international events they will develop a greater sense of their own identity and through this appreciate the values and diversity of the wider community in which they form a part. They will answer questions of the present by engaging with the past and in doing so develop skills that will enable them to play a full part in a democratic society.

This means:

• They will have a strong chronological understanding of Britain’s past and how its relationship with Europe and the wider world has developed
• They will be able to identify, analyse and evaluate different interpretations of the past and reach a balanced and reasoned judgement
• They will be able to confidently articulate their understanding of the past both in academic writing as well as through debate and discussion
• They will appreciate the ethnic and cultural diversity of our community and thereby become inclusive members of our society
• They will develop a critical and enquiring mind, which appreciates the impact of individual endeavour and shows empathy with the past

SUMMARY OF CURRICULUM

History is a popular subject at A Level with students following the AQA syllabus. The A Level requires students to develop their skills of analysis and evaluation through an appreciation of three distinct periods and countries covering a span of over 200 years. The breadth study in

Paper 1 is focused on Tsarist and Communist Russia between 1855-1917 and requires students to develop a secure understanding of the process of change over time. Through the content covered students will gain a richness in their understanding of Russia during this time, but also consider the key themes that drive change and continuity.

The depth study in Paper 2 concentrates on the Making of Modern Britain between 1951 and 2007 and allows students to demonstrate greater depth of understanding and historical knowledge over a shorter time frame. Like Paper 1 it will consider aspects of change over time, but consider in more details the inter-relationship between events.

The NEA represents the final component of the A Level and is focused on the topic of German unification and the challenge of Nationalism between 1789-1890. Whilst drawing on the breadth and depth of knowledge, as well as the analytical and evaluative skills of the examined components, the NEA builds on this by developing student’s ability to communicate a more considered response to an enquiry question, building upon research and communication skills in the process.

This course is essential for those wishing to pursue History in Higher Education, but also develops a range of transferable skills valued by universities and employers such as analysis, essay writing, evaluation, critical thinking, communication, historical awareness, and self-confidence.

COURSE DETAILS

AQA History 7042/HS – 80% Examined and 20% Non-Examined Assessment

Component 1 – Tsarist and Communist Russia 1855-1964 – 40% of A Level
• 2.5 hour assessment based on three essay questions from a choice of four

Component 2 – The Making of Modern Britain, 1951-2007 – 40% of A Level
• 2.5 hour assessment based on three essay questions from a choice of four

Component 3 – NEA German Unification and the Challenge of Nationalism – 20% of A Level
• 3000 word essay in response to an identified enquiry question.

KEY STAGE 5 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

The minimum entry requirements for Charters Sixth Form can be viewed here

EXAM BOARD: AQA

BE INSPIRED

Take a look around the links below to find our where this exciting subject could lead.