Lower 6th Form Curriculum

AS History

Syllabus Followed:	OCR - H108
Examinations:	AS at the end of the Lower Sixth A2 modules in June of the Upper Sixth
Entry Requirements:	Grade B in GCSE History

Pupils who choose History as one of their A Levels normally do so because they enjoy the subject and have a natural curiosity about the past. The study of history is both interesting and intellectually rigorous. It develops the skills of research, assimilation, comprehension and the analysis of a wide range of material, formulation of a reasoned interpretation and the development of an ability to communicate clear and coherent judgement. Consequently historians are to be found in a wide range of professions because of the general intellectual training the subject offers.

The AS/A Level course is modular, comprising two exams for the AS Level and one exam and a coursework module for the A Level.

AS

The AS course offers a Modern European component and an English History component leading to two examination papers.

The European Module is:

Dictatorship and Democracy in Germany 1933 - 63: This option is concerned with the establishment and experience of Nazi and Communist dictatorship in 1933-39 and 1945-45 respectively, and the imposition and experience of Democracy in West Germany after the Second World War. We consider the nature of, and reasons for change, divergence and continuity in political, economic and social structures in Germany during the period.

This is a Document based study leading to a 1 hour 30 min exam.

The English Module will either be:

Foreign and Imperial Policies 1856 - 1914: an investigation into Britain and the policy of imperialism, especially in Africa and the Balkans. Key issues considered are the principles governing foreign and imperial policies in the Balkans and Africa, the popularization of imperialism, the changing British attitude to European countries after 1902 and reasons why we went to war in 1914.

Henry VIII to Mary I 1509-1558: examining the political dynamics of the Tudor Monarchies including the role of leading Councillors such Wolsey and Cromwell. Key issues considered include the aims of Henry VIII and his success as ruler, the rise and fall of Wolsey, the work of Thomas Cromwell, the government of Edward VI and the effectiveness of Mary I’s government.

Both English components papers lead to a 1 hour 30 min exam comprising one two-part structured essay.

A2

The A2 course comprises two modular exams: one European and one English.

The European Module is: The Russian Revolutions 1894 - 24, focusing on the reasons for the revolution and the outcome of the establishment of a Communist government. Key issues considered include why there was a revolution in 1905 and why the Tsar survived, the reasons for the 1917 revolutions and the success of the Bolsheviks, the consolidation of Bolshevik power and the extent to which Lenin was a dictator who took and help power by force.

This leads to two 2000 word Extended Essays (Coursework)

The English module: is a thematic study covering 100 years of history and will be either:
1. Rebellion and Disorder in England 1485 - 1603, examining the nature and extent of rebellion and disorder in England and Ireland in this period. Key issues considered include the main causes of rebellion and disorder, the frequency and nature of disturbances, the impact of the disturbances on Tudor governments and the maintenance of political stability.

1. The Development of Democracy in Britain 1868 - 1997, focusing on the development of democratic power; the nature and extent and consequences of the changes to the democratic system in Britain. Key issues considered include and the nature of the franchise, the changing fortunes of political parties, the changing role of political offices and office-holders and the role of key groups influencing change and continuity such as trade unions and the mass media.

Both papers lead to a 2 hour exam comprising two essays.

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