Course
History
Exam Board
OCR
For more information contact Head of Department:
Mr S Petrie - spetrie@stedmunds.org
Mrs L Llewellyn - Lllewellyn@stedmunds.org
Mr R Endean - REndean@stedmunds.org
Brief introduction to subject:
History at St Edmund's - click here for more information
Pupils can expect to be set one substantial piece of written work per fortnight, which may take several hours to research, plan and write. One of the major differences between GCSE and IB is the greater emphasis on wider reading and research, especially in the Upper Sixth. This enables pupils to gain the best marks in examinations but also prepares them for university study and enables them to contribute perceptively to the frequent seminar and discussion lessons. In particular, the internal assessment task provides pupils with a valuable opportunity to research a topic in depth by conducting their own independent research.
A comprehensive course covering an exciting range of historical topics. Students will study Civil Rights in the USA between 1865 - 1992; they will have the opportunity to investigate the causes and events of the Russian revolution and also the rule of Henry VIII as part of the Early Tudors module.
It is important that students have an enquiring mind, an interest in the past and its relevance to current affairs, and an ability to communicate their ideas effectively.
The key points of this specification are that:
It maintains a British focus.
There is an opportunity to study European and international history.
It allows an opportunity to develop a strong sense of historical perspective.
What our students say
"History teaches to you to question and research further to find answers."
"Helps you to understand things from a different perspective."
Course Requirements
History - Grade 6
English - Grade 5
Maths - Grade 4
Assessment
British period study and enquiry (Y101-Y113) 50 marks 1 hour 30 minute paper 25% of total A level
Non-British period study (Y201-Y224) 30 marks 1 hour paper 15% of total A level
Thematic study and historical interpretations (Y301-Y321) 80 marks 2 hour 30 minute paper 40% of total A level
3000–4000 word essay (Y100/03 or 04) Non exam assessment 40 marks 20% of total A level
Year 12
Unit 1 - specification
Title: The Early Tudors 1485 - 1558
- Henry VII’s government
- Henry VII’s foreign policy
- Henry VIII and Cardinal Wolseley
- Henry VIII’s rule after 1529
Unit 2 - specification
Title: Russia 1894 - 1941
- Nicholas II and his rule
- Russia in WW1
- Lenin’s government of Russia
- Stalin’s dictatorship
Year 13
Unit 3
Title: Civil Rights in the USA 1865 - 1992
- The treatment of African Americans
- The treatment of Native Americans
- The role of Trade Unions
- The civil rights of women
Unit 4
Title: Historical Enquiry
- A historical investigation.
- Using a range of sources.
- A free choice of investigations into history
Students who study A Level History will have access to a wide range of careers and higher education opportunities.They learn to evaluate and analyse information, weigh evidence and communicate complex ideas clearly. These are skills recognised and valued by employers, universities and colleges. History provides an excellent foundation for a number of popular careers including journalism, law and business and it makes an important contribution to lifelong learning.
