History
Our young people are growing up in a world where it is increasingly challenging to differentiate between fact and opinion, truth and falsehood. Equally the narrative of our history has increasingly become a political issue, seized upon by those across the political spectrum. History and the knowledge acquired through its study could not, therefore, be more relevant or important to our young people.
Through A-level History, students will gain key knowledge and understanding that they need in order to be able to make sense of the world around them, but alongside this we hope to inspire a curiosity and lifelong interest in History. Students will also gain crucial disciplinary skills which will enable them to be lifelong learners of history but also to be able to think critically about sources of information. Students will also learn to write and construct evaluative arguments in relation to historical questions. These are skills which will benefit them in further study and employment
In Year 12, students study topics that are linked by a common theme of a search for rights, freedoms and greater equality in the twentieth century. In the USA, the quest for political, social and economic advancement looked mainly to reform existing structures. In South Africa, this quest led to more radical outcomes, bringing an end to the apartheid regime.
In Year 13, students study the Tudors, exploring the nature of rebellion and disorder 1485-1603 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 also study Germany in the twentieth century for the coursework component of the A-level, looking at historical interpretations relating to why The Holocaust happened.
Exam board: We study Edexcel History.
Entry Requirements: As well as the standard Sixth Form requirements, you must also have a Grade 5 or above in GCSE History and a Grade 5 or above in GCSE English.
Key Content: As well as the detail above, there is a coursework component to this course, based on events in 20th century Germany. The purpose of this 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.
What is the work like? As an example of the kind of work that you will cover during the A-Level course, please find the pre-A-Level material that we asked Year 11 to complete before starting their course with us in September.
Assessment
Paper 1 (Breadth study – 30% of the qualification)
In search of the American dream: the USA c1917-96
Paper 2 (Depth study – 20% of the qualification)
South Africa, 1948-94: from apartheid state to ‘rainbow nation’
Paper 3
Rebellion and disorder under the Tudors, 1485-1603 (30% of the qualification)
Paper 4
The making of modern Germany, 1900-1990 (coursework - 20% of the qualification)
Who do I contact if I have any questions?
Mrs Woodger will be happy to answer any questions that you might have. You are welcome to email her on laura.woodger@twynhamschool.com.
To ask a History student more about the course, please email student@twynhamsixthform.com and they will be happy to help you.
