HISTORY EDEXCEL

WHAT WILL I STUDY?
Students will follow the Edexcel History course. In year 12 will study two units at AS Level:

Unit One – Essay paper
Stalin’s Russia 1924-53 gives students the opportunity to explore one of the most controversial figures of the twentieth century. After his unlikely rise to power, his reign saw the rapid industrialisation of the USSR and a remarkable victory over Nazi Germany but also widespread famine and terror on a scale unparalleled before or since.
Pursuing Life and Liberty: Equality in the USA 1945 – 1968 introduces students to a turbulent period in the social and political history of the United States. The course charts the struggle for civil rights in America led by Martin Luther King. It also exposes the violent racism of the Southern states and the disintegration of the movement as the slogan of ‘Black Power’ grew in appeal towards the end of the period.

Unit Two – Source-based paper
Henry VIII: Authority, Nation and Religion, 1509 – 40 allows pupils to study one of English History’s most recognisable figures. The reign of Henry VIII left an indelible mark on the subsequent History of this country. This course looks at his attempts to make an impact in Europe as a young king, his government of England and the course and impact of his break with the Roman Catholic Church in the 1530s.

YEAR 13
At present, the options for Year 13 have not been finalised. One piece will be coursework while the other will be an in-depth study designed to assess a range of historical skills. Possible topics include: Boom, Bust and Recovery in America (1917 – 1953); Superpower relations (1945 – 1990); the Age of Enlightenment in Europe.

WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP?
The study of History involves many skills which are of use both within and beyond the boundaries of the subject. Developing effective research skills are naturally an important aspect of History but are also required in many other subjects and professions. The ability to analyse and evaluate evidence will also be central to success in this course as well as being an important life skill. Students of History also become familiar with appraising and building arguments. In addition to this the successful communication of their conclusions will be of equal importance. The development of an effective written style will be an important aspect of progression in History and of use in the vast majority of degree courses.

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED TO STUDY HISTORY?
We expect prospective students to have gained at least a GCSE grade B in History. Occasionally we have accepted students who have not studied the subject at GCSE in which case we would look for at least a B in English.

WHAT CAN THE STUDY OF HISTORY LEAD TO?
A high number of our students each year have gone on to study History at degree level. It has also helped students who have wanted to study other subjects such as Journalism, Politics and Law. Increasingly, students who study scientific subjects in the sixth form have found it extremely useful in developing skils of writing and critical thinking.

Beyond university qualifications in History can open doors to a wide variety of professions particularly law, journalism and teaching.