HISTORY

The History course is challenging, rewarding and wide-ranging. 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. There is a great emphasis on independent learning as the course includes a substantial piece of independent coursework. Pupils 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 course is assessed by three terminal exams, alongside the submission of the independent Topicbased essay in the Upper Sixth Form. Pupils are encouraged to be flexible and open to studying different periods and can select their favoured historical topic as their Topic-based essay.

Jonathan Allard Head of History

Scheme Of Assessment

• Unit 1: British period study and enquiry

Pupils study a period of British history. Papers currently offered are drawn from the medieval, early modern and modern periods.

• Unit 2: Non-British period study

Pupils will study an element of history from beyond the British Isles. Papers currently offered include the Crusades, the USA in the nineteenth century and modern France.

• Unit 3: Thematic study and historical interpretations

Pupils undertake a thematic study over a period of at least 100 years, as well as investigating how historians have interpreted key issues. Current papers include German nationalism, the nature of warfare and civil rights in the USA.

• Topic-based essay

Pupils will research and write a 4,000-word essay on a topic of their choice. The title is formulated in conjunction with the coursework teacher and must be approved by the exam board.

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.