History

Why study History?

The study of A Level History is important because it allows one to make sense of the current world. One can look past economic and cultural trends and be able to offer reasonable predictions of what will happen next in today’s world. One can also understand why some rules exist in the modern world. More broadly, A Level History allows us to understand different cultures. History can also allow one to exercise their critical thinking skills, which are important in all areas of life, academic or otherwise.

If we study the successes and failures of the past, we may, ideally, be able to learn from our mistakes and avoid repeating them in the future.

If you are interested in contemporary and Renaissance History, or have an inquisitive mind and enjoy challenge, you should consider A Level History.

History is about studying real people whose lives, actions and decisions in the past have dramatically shaped the world in which we live today. History is highly regarded, because of the skills and knowledge which it imparts. The History Department at BRGS has consistently achieved high pass rates at A level with students going on to study a range of degrees. We use a variety of teaching and learning styles to create as much interest as possible in the subject.

Exam Board:

AQA: www.aqa.org.uk

Course Outline:

Paper 1K: The making of a Superpower: USA, 1865–1975

The Era of Reconstruction and the Gilded Age, 1865–1890
Populism, progressivism and imperialism, 1890–1920
Crisis of identity, 1920–1945
The Superpower, 1945–1975

Paper 2O: Democracy and Nazism: Germany, 1918–1945

The Establishment and early years of Weimar, 1918–1924
The 'Golden Age' of the Weimar Republic, 1924–1928
The Collapse of Democracy, 1928–1933
The Nazi Dictatorship, 1933–1939
The Racial State, 1933–1941
The impact of War, 1939–1945

How you are assessed:

At A Level, there are three assessment components.

Component 1 assesses understanding of breadth and of historical interpretations. This is worth 40% of the A Level.

Component 2 assesses understanding of depth and of the value of primary sources. This is worth 40% of the A Level.

Component 3 is a Historical Investigation (non-exam assessment), of approximately 3,500 words, which will cover approximately 100 years of Tudor history. This is worth 20% of the A Level.

Studying this subject could lead to a career in:

A Level History can lead you into any and all career paths.