Edexcel A-Level History

This is an exciting and relevant course which includes the early modern and modern history of Britain, Europe and the wider World. You will learn how to analyse and evaluate a range of sources, as well as how to construct strong historical arguments by investigating evidence and interpretations. You will develop independent research skills alongside the skills of argument, analysis, evaluation and critical thinking.

Entry requirements: Students joining the course should have achieved a grade 6 in history GCSE. 

Career opportunities: People with an A Level in history show employers and universities that they have strong communication and analytical skills. You can form an argument, be persuasive, handle evidence in order to make good decisions and articulate yourself in a way that is impressive to universities and apprenticeship schemes. History A Level is a fantastic stepping stone into law, economics, politics, advertising, finance, journalism, education and business – amongst other areas.

What will I study? And Assessment Overview: Students will study the Edexcel History (9H10) GCE syllabus.

In Year 12 students will follow route F and study South Africa and America. The topics will be taught at the same time by different teachers.

Year 12: 

In search of the American Dream: the USA, c.1917-96 – 30% of total qualification

Explore the development of the USA through two world wars, the civil rights movement and vast changes in society. You will use your interpretations skills here when you study the 1980s 

Part one: The changing political environment, 1917-80

Part two: The quest for civil rights, 1917-80

Part three: Society and culture in change, 1917-80

Part four: The changing quality of life, 1917-80

Part five: What impact did the Reagan presidency have on the USA in the years 1981-96?

South Africa, 1948-94: from apartheid state to ‘rainbow nation’ 20% of total qualification

Investigate how South Africa went from a racially segregated oppressive society to a rainbow nation led by Nelson Mandela. Studying sources from the 1940s-90s

Part one: The response to apartheid, c.1948-59

Part two: Radicalisation of resistance and the consolidation of National Party power, 1960-68

Part three: Redefining resistance and challenges to National Party power, 1968-83

Part four: The end of apartheid and the creation of the ‘rainbow nation’, 1984-94

Year 13:

Britain: losing and gaining an Empire 1763-1914 – 30% of total qualification

Study the fascinating growth of the British Empire in America, Australia, India, Canada and Egypt. We will study a range of sources to help us understand how the British nearly lost their empire several times. Students will study the growth and loss of the British Empire 1763-1914 and complete a piece of coursework on the Holocaust.

Aspects in Breadth:

• The changing nature and extent of trade
• The changing nature of the Royal Navy

Aspects in Depth:

• The loss of the American colonies, 1770–83
• The birth of British Australia, 1788–1829
• Learning from past mistakes: Canada and the Durham Report, 1837–40
• Nearly losing an empire: the British in India, 1829–58
• The Nile valley, 1882–98 Coursework: The Holocaust, c.1940-45

Coursework: 20% of total qualification 

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. Students will use the skills of research and analysis to write your independent essay on the Holocaust and why it happened 

Students are required to respond to a question focusing on the extent to which the Final Solution was a long term plan

Homework /Independent Study Policy: At least 1 essay per week, regular flipped learning and personal study, revision for regular knowledge tests 

Enrichment: Opportunities to develop debating skills along with access to talks from historical associations and participation in events for Holocaust Memorial Day.