A-Level History – route 1 – revolutions and rebellions (AQA 7042)
What does this course involve?
Everything happening around us today has been influenced by and is a result of what has happened in the past. History can also help us predict what could happen in the future. One of the most flexible of qualifications, History provides an excellent pathway to degrees such as History, Law, English and Philosophy, and beyond that to a range of interesting careers. This intellectually rigorous course is an excellent way for students to develop highly sought after and transferable skills. These include being able to effectively communicate complex ideas, the ability to research, analyse and evaluate information and the capacity to make substantiated judgements, all whilst developing independent work skills.
How is this course assessed?
Component 1: Breadth Study 1H Tsarist and Communist Russia, 1855-1964 (40 % A-level)
This option allows students to study in breadth issues of change, continuity, cause and consequence in this period through the following key questions:
• How was Russia governed and how did political authority change and develop?
• Why did opposition develop and how effective was it?
• How and with what results did the economy develop and change?
• What was the extent of social and cultural change?
• How important were ideas and ideology?
• How important was the role of individuals and groups and how were they affected by developments?
Component 2: 2E The English Revolution, 1625-1660 (40 % A-level)
This option provides for the study in depth of the challenges faced by those in authority in the years before, during and after the English Civil War. It explores concepts such as Divine Right; arbitrary government, Arminianism, and political and religious radicalism. It also encourages an in-depth understanding of how government works, arbitrary government and consensus, authority and opposition and issues of settlement.
Component 3: Historical Investigation (20% of A-level)
An essay of 3,000-5,000 words on a topic of your choice relating to the USA, 1865-1968.
Enrichment
The History department runs a USA trip to Washington, Philadelphia and New York. We also take students to visit various exhibition visits as appropriate to the course.