History

AQA

GCSE English Language Grade 5
GCSE History Grade 5

AS students must take assessments in both of the following components, in the same series.

• Component 1: Breadth study- written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes, 50% of marks
• Component 2: Depth study- written exam 1 hour 30 minutes, 50% of marks

A-level students must take assessments in all three of the following components in the same series:

• Component 1: Breadth study- written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes, 40% of A-level
• Component 2: Depth study- written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes, 40% of A-level
• Component 3: Historical investigation (Personal study)- 3,000 – 3,500 words, 20% of A-level

AS and A Level History allows the development and acquisition of analytical and evaluative skills regarded as key by both employers, and places of further education. History gives you a depth and breadth of knowledge that allows you to successfully understand why and how the geo-political system of today evolved.

Study includes the use of original source material and many secondary interpretations giving you the unique opportunity to simultaneously see a world no longer here through the eyes and ears of the time while indulging in the ever changing canon of historians’ sentiments.

Furthermore, you will have the chance to investigate your own favourite historical interest nurturing your independent research skills facilitating a thorough grounding for further higher level study.

The Tudors: England, 1485–1603

• How effectively did the Tudors restore and develop the powers of the monarchy?
• In what ways and how effectively was England governed during this period?
• How did relations with foreign powers change and how was the succession secured?
• How did English society and economy change and with what effects?
• How far did intellectual and religious ideas change and develop and with what effects?
• How important was the role of key individuals and groups and how were they affected by developments?

Part one: consolidation of the Tudor Dynasty: England, 1485–1547
1) Henry VII, 1485–1509
2) Henry VIII, 1509–1547

Part two: England: turmoil and triumph, 1547–1603 (A-level only)
3) Instability and consolidation: ‘the Mid-Tudor Crisis’, 1547–1563 (A-level only)
4) The triumph of Elizabeth, 1563–1603 (A-level only)

France in Revolution, 1774–1815

This option provides for the study in-depth of a key period of history which was to change the relationship between the ruler and the governed, not only in France but throughout Europe and, in time, the wider world. A study of France in revolution embraces concepts such as absolutism, enlightenment, constitutionalism, democracy, republic and dictatorship. It also encourages consideration of issues such as the relationship between rulers and the ruled, the place of the Church in the State, the power of the people and promotes reflection on what makes and perpetuates revolution.

Part one: the end of Absolutism and the French Revolution, 1774–1795
1) The origins of the French Revolution, 1774–1789
2) The experiment in constitutional monarchy, 1789–1792
3) The emergence and spread of the Terror, September 1792–1795

Part two: the rise of Napoleon and his impact on France and Europe, 1795–1815 (A-level only)
1) The Directory and Napoleon’s rise to power, 1795–1799 (A-level only)
2) The impact of Napoleon’s rule on France, 1799–1815 (A-level only)
3) The impact of Napoleon’s rule on Europe, 1799–1815 (A-level only)

Studying AS and A Level History is a very sensible choice as it will develop your skills of analysis and evaluation. You will be able to demonstrate the ability to create and pursue a successful argument on paper, remember and organize significant amounts of knowledge, and provide you with a thorough understanding of why and how today’s world operates. History at this level will obviously set you in good stead for the studying of History at University but it is also a key requirement of some courses such as Law. Not only does it help applications to arts based courses but it is seen a very beneficial subject to those pursuing scientific and engineering based futures. This is why History is one of the Russell Group’s facilitating subjects.

Employers always rate this subject as it shows, knowledge, skill and understanding at a high level that can aid any business environment. Nearly every sector values this subject and the skills historians possess