WHY HISTORY?
COURSE CONTENT
Studying history at Woodhouse will provide you with access to a fascinating and dynamic subject that deals with hard facts but varied and ever-changing perspectives. You’ll develop skills in written and oral communication, research, critical thinking, and evaluating both primary and secondary sources. You’ll work collaboratively with your peers inside and outside the classroom but also become an independent learner, equipped to cope with the rigorous demands of university study.
Britain in the 17th century was transformed by intense political and religious conflict that led to civil war, the execution of King Charles I, the abolition of the monarchy and the imposition of a military dictatorship under Oliver Cromwell.
Many students go on to study history or a closely related degree course at Oxbridge and Russell Group universities. A good degree in history will allow you to pursue a high-powered career in various fields, such as the law, the media, the civil service and business. We provide many opportunities to listen to distinguished speakers, and various study trips are organised, including one to Berlin.
Before 1917, Russian emperors (or tsars) claimed to possess God-given authority. World War One created the revolutionary conditions that, in 1917, resulted in the overthrow of tsarism and the establishment of the world’s first Communist dictatorship under Lenin and his successors Stalin and Khrushchev.
EXAM BOARD – AQA PAPER/COMPONENT
ASSESSMENT
WEIGHT
Britain 1603–1702 Three questions. One compulsory with secondary sources linked to historical interpretations, and two from three essays
Exam 2hrs 30mins Marked out of 80
40%
The Cold War 1945–91 Three questions. One compulsory question linked to primary sources or sources contemporary to the period, and two from three essays
Exam 2hrs 30mins Marked out of 80
40%
Historical investigation Independently researched essay on an aspect of Russian history covering the years 1855–1956
Coursework 3,500-word essay marked out of 40
20%
Additional course entry requirements: Grade 6 in GCSE history and English language. Grade 6 in a GCSE essay writing subject if history not taken (e.g. English literature, geography)
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apply online at www.woodhouse.ac.uk
The years after World War Two were defined by the Cold War, a prolonged ideological and diplomatic struggle between the USA and USSR which, in an age of nuclear weapons, at times threatened humanity’s very existence.
“We have a lot of class discussions and there aren’t really any rights or wrongs, it’s quite open ended. You need to voice your opinion at A level, but you also need to know the facts – and know them well. I went on the Berlin trip and really recommend it. Being able to just be there and see what’s left of the wall... amazing. Everyone’s really friendly here – I’ve never met a person that I couldn’t talk to. There’s pretty much a society for everything and lots of extracurricular. Woodhouse makes you more open to things.” TASHEEKA WILSON from Ark Elvin Academy Read more about Tasheeka on our website subject pages.