AS History
This subject may be offered at more than one Southern Consortium school site. The teaching of this subject may be at any one of the sites listed below.
The information on this webpage is a guide only. Topics, units and course content may vary from those listed below.
AS History @ SRS
Modules covered.
At AS-level you will look in depth at the Nazi party 1919-1933, the Liberal governments and the Founding of the Welfare State in 1905-1915. You will complete a piece of coursework based on the suffragette movement 1903-1914.
At level A2 you will study the Nazi party 1933-1939, complete a one hundred year study on Britain and Decolonisation and an essay paper on Containing Communism in SE Asia/Korea and Vietnam, 1950-73.
Both the AS and A2 History courses are assessed by exam papers based on responses to sources. There are also papers based on essay writing and a piece of coursework that combines source- evaluation and essay composition.
Why study history?
Through studying History at A-level you will not just increase your knowledge and interests of these modules but you will also gain fundamental skills which are required in workplaces and also university.
You will develop skills such as; studying and working as part of team, essay composition skills, independent research skills along with discussion and presentation skills.
Your ability to understand history and use sources come to realistic conclusions is a characteristic recognized very highly by employers in fields of work such as managerial posts, accounting, law, research based jobs and History based jobs. Also due to the skills required universities look highly on students who have History as an A level.
AS History @ JRCS
What is A-Level History all about?
Today, the world is a complicated place. The actions of all the people around us, from family members to presidents of the USA, are influenced by what has gone before—the past. Through the study and analysis of the past you will be equipped to reason, analyse, formulate opinions and argue them logically, but most of all you will develop a skill base which you can utilise in jobs as diverse as law or medicine, music management or marketing.
What can I expect at A-Level History?
- Active lessons with a focus on independent learning
- Seminar style discussions and debates
- A well established department with experienced staff
- Visits out of school
- To achieve highly in a respected, academic subject, which will equip you with a variety of vital life and study skills.
What will be studied?
Students will complete two modules:
Unit 1 50% of AS History marks 1h20m Exam – Summer
Part 1: Civil Rights 1954-68
Students will study the origins, nature and success of the Civil Rights movement in the USA. Investigating the KKK, lynchings in the Deep South, Martin Luther King’s peaceful protests and Black Power students will evaluate the impact the Civil Rights movement had on the USA.
Part 2: US Foreign Policy 1950-73
Against the backdrop of the Civil Rights movement at home, the United States became involved in a series of armed conflicts in Asia in the 50s, 60s and 70s. Focusing primarily on Korea and Vietnam this part of the course investigates the reasons for US involvement in the area, its impact and its failures and successes.
Unit 2 50% of AS History marks 1h20m Exam – Summer
The Experience of Warfare in Britain 1854-1929
In this module students will look at the impact of warfare on British people over a period spanning 70 years. Students will look at the effects of the Crimean War and its impact on the development of nursing, though the work of people like Florence Nightingale. The experience of fighting on the Western Front in WWI will also be investigated, with specific focus on propaganda, recruitment, morale and the effectiveness of strategy and tactics.
*The units of study for A2 are presently under review; more information will follow in the autumn term
After my studies?
History is a challenging A-Level. It requires students to investigate, collate and evaluate evidence and reach reasoned and valid judgments. History is both fascinating and shocking and at A-Level students will start to look at some of the more repulsive acts mankind has carried out and still try to remain objective, and present their thoughts in a logical and persuasive manner.
These are skills which prepare students for the most challenging and rewarding jobs. History A-Level is an excellent foundation for degrees in law, politics, social sciences and, of course, History. It also equips individuals to enter the world of work able to present their ideas in a measured, balanced and persuasive way, and with a deepened understanding of what it is to be human.
Some common careers for History students: MEDICINE; LAW; JOURNALISM; TEACHING; MANAGEMENT; ADVERTISING; PUBLIC RELATIONS; ARMED FORCES; BUSINESS; POLITICS
AS History @ EB
What is relevance of History?
History is not the past. History is an argument about the claims that people make about events and peoples in the past. History equips young people with a range of key skills that they can use in a wide variety of professional careers, from journalism and broadcasting to law and a host of other well recognised fields.
Why choose AS/A2 History?
A choice of 44 options, British and European/ World, from Medieval to early 21st century history.
The opportunity to select options within the same chronological period, to compare the same issues in a British and European/World context, or to study themes across different periods.
Options within Units 1 and 2 available in January as well as June. The specification also promotes a coherent study of History.
It contains a substantial British history requirement.
It promotes an understanding of change and development over time.
The Historical Enquiry is deliberately left until A2, when students have the intellectual maturity to benefit fully from the exercise, which will also prepare students for progression to higher education.
The specification also retains many of the options from the previous specification, with greater choice than previously.
Specification at a glance: History
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AS Examinations Unit 1 – HIS1A–HIS1N Change and Consolidation 50% of AS, 25% of A Level 1 hour 15 minutes written examination 72 marks Choice of 13 different optional units Available January and June
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A2 Examinations Unit 3 – HIS3A–HIS3N The State and the People: Change and Continuity 30% of A Level 1 hour 30 minutes written examination 90 marks Choice of 13 different optional units Available in June only
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Unit 2 – HIS2A–HIS2S Historical Issues: Periods of Change 50% of AS, 25% of A Level 1 hour 30 minutes written examination 72 marks Choice of 18 different optional units Available January and June
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Unit 4 – HIS4X Historical Enquiry 20% of A Level Coursework unit 60 marks Approximately 3500 words on an analysis of a historical issue Available in June only
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Unit 1 Change and Consolidation
USA, 1890–1945 HIS1M
How effectively did the USA respond to the need for change in this period?
Introduction
This unit provides an overview of US history in the period 1890–1945 as it responded to a series of challenges both from outside and within the USA. Students will examine the role of individual presidents, the factors working for and against change, and how foreign and domestic policy changed to meet the various crises. There will be opportunities to consider interpretations of how the USA developed during this period and to engage in the various debates over key incidents in US history. The study of events between 1890 and 1945 will enable students to compare, explain and assess the nature, pace and extent of change and its impact on domestic and foreign policy.
Unit 2 Historical Issues: Periods of Change
A Sixties Social Revolution? British Society, 1959–1975 (B) HIS2R
Introduction
This unit provides an opportunity to investigate the nature and the extent to which there was social and cultural change in Britain during the 1960s. Students will need to demonstrate a sound understanding of the key changes and attitudes developing in the 1960s, but the main emphasis will be on analysis and assessment of these changes between the years 1959 and 1975 and whether their impact can be interpreted as a social revolution or not. An examination of the 1960s will focus on the extent to which British values were transformed and will include a study of new trends in popular culture, the changing status and roles of women and youth, the importance of government legislation and the impact of immigration on Britain by 1975.
Unit 3 The State and the People: Change and Continuity
HIS3N Aspects of International Relations, 1945–2004
Aspects of International Relations, 1945–2004 HIS3N
Introduction
This unit promotes an understanding of change and continuity over approximately 60 years. Through the study of key events in depth, such as the introduction of containment as the foundation of US foreign policy after 1947, candidates will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the interrelationship of individuals, ideas and other factors and their relative importance to the processes of change and consolidation. Additionally, as a result of the study of the period as a whole, candidates will be able to demonstrate how issues, ideas and other factors changed during the period. The continuity of the Cold War within a framework of shifting intensity is particularly evident in this period of study. The impact of nuclear technology and economic strength are both primary elements in understanding the nature of international relations in the second half of the twentieth century and into the beginning of the 21st century. This unit enables students to understand the key forces which have driven international relations and will enable them to place future developments in a meaningful context.
Unit 4 HIS4X
Historical Enquiry HIS4X
Candidates will be required to submit a Historical Enquiry, based on the investigation of a historical issue. The principal characteristics of this are that:
- The work is that of an individual working within a framework that is specified by AQA
- The work is based on a historical investigation and demonstrates some awareness of historiography
- A range of sources is considered and evaluated
- The topic chosen must arise from the study of, and be placed in the context of, 100 years
- Synoptic understanding is demonstrated by studying an issue over 100 years
- The enquiry is presented in essay format and written in continuous prose.
AS History @ DP
History is invaluable if you are pursuing a career in law, central or local government, the media, social work or teaching. It also helps you make sense of the diverse and changing world we live in.
The course covers:
Year 12: A/S
- Russia in Revolution 1905-1917
- Weimar Germany: the democratic experiment
- Coursework option: votes for women
Year 13: A2
- Individual Assignment: the student’s chosen field of study
- Democracy and representation in Britain 1830-1931
- The Nazi State: power and control 1933-1945
Progression opportunities
A Level History provides a firm foundation for university and a wide range of career opportunities.