| Overview | A-Level History is a popular course at Queen Elizabeth’s which aims to develop students’ interest in and enthusiasm for history and an understanding of its intrinsic value and significance. A-level History encourages students to: - Build on their understanding of the past
- Improve as effective and independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers with curious and enquiring minds
- Develop the ability to ask relevant and significant questions about the past and to research them
- Understand that history is concerned with judgements based on available evidence and that historical judgements may be provisional
- Make links and draw comparisons within and/or across different periods and aspects of the past
- Organise and communicate their historical knowledge and understanding in different ways, arguing a case and reaching substantiated judgements
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| Examination board | The Sixth Form History course at Queen Elizabeth’s follows the Edexcel specification. Full details of the specification and additional support materials can be accessed here. |
Unit 1 - The Expansion & Challenge of Nationalism Examination to be taken in June of Year 12 | Unit 1 entitled 'The Expansion and Challenge of Nationalism' allows students to study two periods of modern European History in breadth. The unit concentrates on the themes of nationalism and conflict with particular emphasis on both how and why ideas about nationhood emerged and developed in particular states and how, in some cases, nationalist ideas provided the stimulus for the development of fascist regimes. The unit enables students to understand the importance of the ideas and beliefs associated with nationalism and why nationalism and national identities are frequently contentious or problematic concepts. Students study the following sub-units: - The collapse of the Liberal State and the Triumph of Fascism in Italy, 1896-1943
- From Second Reich to Third Reich: Germany, 1918-45
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Unit 2 - British Political History in the 19th Century Examination to be taken in June of Year 12 | Unit 2 entitled ‘British Political History in the 19th Century’ gives students the opportunity to study British history in some depth. Grounded in an understanding of the relevant chronology, this option concentrates on key developments in 19th century British political history. It places particular emphasis on how and why franchise changes affected wider political developments including how pressure for change could influence both the structure and the role of government and political parties in a rapidly growing industrial society. Students study the following sub-unit: - Britain, 1830-85: Representation and Reform
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Unit 3 - War & Peace: 20th Century International Relations Examination to be taken in June of Year 13 | Unit 3 taken in Year 13 entitled ‘War and Peace: 20th Century International Relations’ sees students undertake a study in some depth at a more demanding level than that required in Unit 2. The option concentrates on international diplomacy in the second half of the 20th century, focusing upon the need for, and robustness of, alliance systems and the reasons for conflict between states. Unit 3 encourages students to pass reasoned judgement upon issues which have provoked disagreement and controversy among historians. Students study the following sub-unit: - A World Divided: Superpower Relations, 1944-90
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Unit 4 - Dictatorship & Revolution in Russia & the Soviet Union, 1825-2000 Assessed in June of Year 13 | Unit 4 is a historical enquiry in which students address key aspects of the chosen theme over a period of at least 100 years in order to develop their understanding of the process of change over a long period. The unit is entitled Dictatorship and Revolution in Russia and the Soviet Union, 1825-2000. Students complete a 2-part assignment which is internally assessed and it encourages students to consider issues relating to cause and consequence, and demonstrate an understanding of factors that may accelerate, consolidate or retard the process of change. |
| Course support & enrichment at QE | Students are given a range of material to support them with their studies including textbooks, articles from history journals and periodicals. In addition, a bespoke reading list is provided for each unit to enable students to engage in guided further reading, and boys have access to the History area of the school’s Learning Resources network which provides notes, past questions and advice from the exam board. Year 12 historians have the opportunity to attend an A-Level History conference in London each year along with a 3 day visit to Krakow & Auschwitz. The most talented Year 12 historians are strongly encouraged to enter the many Oxbridge college ‘History Essay Competitions’ on offer each year and to apply for places at the Cambridge University History Summer School. The most able Year 13 historians have the opportunity to attend twilight learning sessions and sit the Advanced Extension Award in History. |
| Progression from A-level History | The opportunities on offer for students with History A-level are numerous, not least the prospect of studying for a degree in History. Popular career choices for History graduates include: - Solicitor or Barrister
- Business and Financial professionals such as Accountants, Taxation Consultants, City Traders and Banking
- Journalist
- Teacher or Lecturer
- Commercial, Industrial and Public Sector managers
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Recommended wider reading This is particularly relevant for those considering further study beyond A-level | - What is History?, E.H. Carr
- The practice of History, G.R. Elton
- The Nature of History, A. Marwick
- The Whig interpretation of History, H. Butterfield
- The Pursuit of History, J. Tosh
- In Defence of History, R.J. Evans
- History and Social Theory, P. Burke
- Virtual History: Alternatives and Counterfactuals, Niall Ferguson
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