History
Head of Department: C.R. Pendrill, MA (Cambridge)
Course Specification: Edexcel 8HI01/9HI01
The History course is wide-ranging in content; it includes British, European
and World History. Studying History at this level enhances pupils’ skills
in critical analysis and encourages them to write with clarity and precision,
within the framework of a clearly constructed line of argument. Pupils are
encouraged to discover information and ideas for themselves with the guidance
of their teachers. The course is assessed in a variety of ways: structured
questions, essays, sourcework and coursework. History AS and A Level candidates
should show a willingness to read around the subject and an ability to write
clear, precise English. Very occasionally a pupil takes History in the Sixth
Form without the GCSE.
The exam board offers a range of option papers. The choice of which option
papers pupils study will be made by their set teachers. Broadly speaking,
sets will usually study Early Modern History (1500-1650) OR Modern History
(1750-1939) OR a combination of the two. Pupils who wish to study at least
some Early Modern Units will have a chance to identify themselves before setting
takes place. Please note that it is not always possible to fulfil every request
for periods of study.
Pattern of Assessment
| AS Unit 1 6HI01 Historical Themes 1? hours exam [25%] |
Pupils will study at least two themes in one of the following subject areas: Early Modern English/Early Modern European/British Empire/Communism and Democracy in C20th/ Expansion and Challenge of Nationalism in Europe. |
| AS Unit 2 6HI02 British History Depth Study 1? hours exam [25%] |
Pupils will study one of the following options: Henry VIII/Crown and Parliament 1588-1629/Britain 1830-85/Poverty and Public Health 1830-75/Experience of Warfare in Britain/Votes for Women/Britain and Ireland/Britain and India. |
| A2 Unit 3 6HI03 Depth Study 2 hours exam [30%] |
One depth study to be completed from the following options: Protest and Rebellion in England 1536-88/Revolution and Restoration 1629-67/France in Revolution 1786-1830/Protest and Reform, Britain 1760-1830/USA 1820-77/USA 1917-54/Germany 1900-45/Britain and the Challenge of Fascism/The World Crisis 1879-1941/Superpower Relations 1944-90. |
| A2 Unit 4 6HI04 Historical Enquiry 2 coursework essays [20%] |
The Historical Enquiry will concern one country or one theme over a period of at least 100 years. The outline will be taught but there will be scope for pupils to do their own research for their own questions within the chosen theme or topic. One question will look at the short-term significance of an event, individual or movement. The second question will consider the theme of change across the whole period studied. |
Pupils who opt to take History to AS Level only will complete their examinations in the Trinity Quarter of the Lower Sixth.