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A Level

History

Entry Requirements

GCSE Grade 5 in English with an average points score of 4.2 or above.

Assessment Method

This course is assessed by 80% exams and 20% coursework.

About this course

This course is ideal for learners who are interested in developments and changes over a broad timescale. Students will look at historical interpretations as part of exploring different themes such as, styles of government, the economy, methods of control and social developments in Soviet Russia, as well as reasons for the fall of the Soviet Union. After this, students will continue to learn about Communist states with a view on the German Democratic Republic. In their second year, students will delve further into the topic of British Warfare covering, British and French Wars, Crimean War, Second Boer War and World War One while looking at the changing roles and organisations in the military from 1790 -1918. There is a 20% coursework element where students can undertake their own research on a historical debate of their choosing.

Who is this course aimed at?

This course is aimed at students who:

  • Have an interest in History, it is not essential for it to be studied at GCSE

  • Enjoy researching and debating about topics

  • Would like to know more about key events and people who shaped history

  • Would like to study History in Higher Education

  • Would like to progress in employment in teaching, at a museum, librarian, journalism, archaeology, archives, HR or many more.

What will you learn?

Russia 1917-1991: Students will study the leaders of Russia from 1917 - 1985 and how their policies affected the government, the economy, social developments and how they controlled the Russian people through propaganda, arts and culture and the secret police. Students will also study the reasons for the fall of the USSR, 1985 - 1991. German Democratic Republic 1949-1990: Students will study how the East German state was developed from Soviet occupation in 1949 up to growing crises and the fall of Communist rule across Eastern Europe.

British Experience of Warfare 1790-1918: Students will study how roles and organisation in the military changed over this time period. Students will also study 5 themes in depth, including the British and French Wars, the Crimean War, the Second Boer War and World War One.

Coursework: Students will conduct independent research around a set historical debate by analysing what historians have written about this and then they will write a 4,000 word essay on which interpretation they think is the most convincing.

What skills will you develop?

  • Knowledge

  • Analysis

  • Judgement

  • Exam Technique

  • Academic Language

  • Self Confidence

  • Practice

  • Time Management

  • Communication

  • Source Skills

  • Revision Skills

  • Responsibility

  • Focus

  • Self motivation

  • Making Decisions

  • Teamwork

  • Self-motivation

Related Courses

Looking for something that works well with this course? Here are some related courses to consider.

English Literature

Geography

Politics

Progression routes

  • Historian

  • Librarian

  • Teacher

  • Museum

  • Officer

  • International Relations

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