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A Level History

In History A Level, we study England between 1485 and 1529, the growth of political stability, the reign of Richard III, the establishment of secure government by Henry VII and the development of Tudor rule under Henry VIII and Wolsey. Issues to be studied include the roles played by the Kings themselves and their relationships with the nobility, councils and parliaments. Following on from this, students explore a period of 60 years of British history, during which the power of the Tudors strengthened both at home and abroad. Students will be taught to demonstrate understanding of key individuals such as Somerset, Northumberland, Burghley, Leicester and the Tudor monarchs themselves in their exercise of political power.

For our depth study, we focus on Germany after WW1: the Weimar Republic and the rise of Hitler and the Nazis.  How did this Austrian corporal exploit the difficulties of the new democracy and create a mass movement that led to him being appointed Chancellor in 1933 after being sent to prison for treason 10 years earlier?  We also look at life in Nazi Germany, 1933-45.  How Hitler consolidated his power after being appointed Chancellor and turned Germany into a ruthless 1 party dictatorship; how propaganda was used to skillfully create ‘the Hitler Myth;’ how different groups in Germany were controlled such as youth; the police state and levels of conformity and resistance; the German home front in WW2; and finally the utter collapse of the Third Reich in 1945. 

The final part of the A Level gives students the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and understanding of Russian History from a pre-revolution perspective. A coursework essay will look at reform and revolution in Tsarist Russia. Students have to decide what the factors were that led to the fall of the Tsars through guided research. The essay will be around 3500 words long, with a 500 word critical source analysis.

Why Study A Level History
The study of History develops the ability to communicate complex ideas and formulate clear arguments that rely on a combination of evidence and personal opinion. The study of the past leads to an understanding of the complex links between politics, religion, ideas, economic events, social structure and international relations. It has often been reiterated by universities that a sound History qualification will be regarded with favour by Admissions staff. History, either A level or degree level, is a tremendously versatile qualification as many of the main professions recognise the value of the skills developed, including accountancy, teaching, local/national government, the legal profession, media and publishing, museum services, banking and research posts within universities and television.

Strong Subject Combinations
As a strong facilitating subject History combines well with many subjects but in particular:
Art
Business
English Literature
Law
Sociology
Sciences

Possible Further Study and Degree Courses
Archaeology
History
History of Art
Law
Management
Politics