History (A-Level

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Le vels

History

The A-Level History course aims to cultivate a deep appreciation for the key episodes, events and individuals of the past and the way they have helped to shape the world in which we live. We engage with the key themes via a variety of historical sources and learning activities, constructing wellinformed arguments and interpretations on the basis of evidence.

COURSE AIMS Our A-Level historians will reflect on and evaluate how and why societies have changed over time and the theories of historians and the language that they use to debate their ideas. Moreover, we deconstruct the nature of historical evidence and the methods used by historians to analyse and evaluate it, while simultaneously developing an understanding of how the past has been interpreted and represented. Furthermore, we will focus on the ability to construct nuanced historical arguments and express historical ideas confidently and cogently, preparing our students for the challenges of our shared future global society as role models and leaders for the world of tomorrow.

SKILLS REQUIRED

As well as covering the advanced level study of History, this course will develop skills which will be essential to you whichever pathway you progress to afterwards. The skills you can develop during this course are: • Persuasive communication • Information Technology • Problem-solving • Working collegially • Evaluative research 153 A-Level

History offers you plenty of opportunities to acquire the relevant key skills. These will arise naturally during your lessons and might include presenting your ideas to the rest of your group, critically analysing source material, taking part in a discussion or a debate, using IT for research or working collegially to evaluate a historical question.

ENTRY CRITERIA It is not a requirement that you have studied History at GCSE in order to take an A-level course in the subject. Students will be considered on their individual experience and suitability for the course. Those students who have studied History GCSE

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A-Level

will find that the skills they have learned and the knowledge they have acquired will form a solid foundation for further studies at A-level.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA A combination of assessment techniques will be used. Students will be required to undertake extended writing and essays in all units, in order to present historical explanations, assess the significance of events, individuals, beliefs and movements and to reach substantial judgments.

Component Weighting Duration Assessment Details

PAPER 1: Russia 1971-1991 From Lenin to Yeltsin 30% 2 hrs 15 min Written exam

PAPER 2: Mao's China 1949-1976 20% 1 hrs 30 min Written exam

PAPER 3: British Empire 1763-1914

COURSEWORK: Historical Investigation 30% 2 hrs 15 min Written exam

20% -

Essay

Useful links: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-alevels/history-2015 155 A-Level