COURSE INFORMATION SHEET
H ISTOR Y A S / A l ev el
LEVEL
3
History is a great subject for students who enjoy discussion and analysis of a broad range of issues
and are keen to develop a really detailed understanding of events such as ...
In Russia: Why were the Tsar and his entire family overthrown in 1917 and later murdered? What
are the theories of Karl Marx and how did they influence the policies of leaders such as Lenin and
Stalin? How and why did the USSR manage to defeat Hitler and Nazi Germany in the ‘Great
Patriotic War’?
In Germany: Why did Germany become involved in, and lose, the First World War? How did the
Great Depression of 1929 harm Germany? How did Hitler manage to establish himself as an all
powerful dictator? How was the Nazi state run? What was Nazi ideology? Why did they attack
other nations and try to destroy the Jewish population of Europe?
British History: Why did Britain get involved in conflicts in the Crimea, South Africa and the First
World War? How did military and medical technology evolve between 1850 and 1920? How did
the way that conflicts were reported in the media change
during this period?
The subject involves you in research and study of these and numerous other historical events and
controversies.
You will be required to study two modules for the AS qualification in year 1 and two more
modules for the full A level qualification in year two.
AS Year
Module 1: Russia in Revolution and Stalin’s Russia, 1881 - 1953
This unit covers a turbulent 70 year period of Russian history which is crammed full of important
events, including the attempted revolution in 1905, the downfall of the Tsar in 1917, the Bolshevik
seizure of power, the Russian Civil War, Stalin’s victory in the struggle for power after Lenin’s death
and his brutal rule of the Soviet Union. You will also look at Soviet participation in the Second
World War and how it emerged as a superpower to challenge the United States.
Module 2: The Experience of Warfare in Britain: Crimea, Boer and the First World War, 1854-1929
This unit explores Britain’s involvement in three major conflicts but not purely from a military point
of view – it also examines how Britain’s participation affected the country in political, economic
and social terms and traces the development of medical facilities and the
technology of warfare. You will also study the way in which the reporting of the
conflicts evolved and how the type of war correspondents and reports we now regularly see on
the news had their roots in the Crimean War of the 1850’s.
AS Year
Module 3: From Kaiser to Fuhrer, Germany 1900-1945
This unit explores the growth of the Kaiser’s Second Reich and how it collapsed in the aftermath of
defeat in World War One. We also examine the failure of the Weimar Republic which was
established in 1919 and the rise of the Nazi Party under Adolf Hitler. The final part of this unit looks
at how the Nazi state operated both in peace and while at war. Students will also get the
opportunity to research and debate some of the most controversial historical
questions such as: how responsible was Germany for the outbreak of the First
World War? How popular and efficient was the Nazi regime? How did the
policy of the “Final Solution” develop?
LEVEL
COURSE INFORMATION SHEET
H ISTOR Y A S / A l ev el
3
Module 4: Historical Enquiry: 20th Century International Relations 1879-1980
The final section of the course focuses on the changing relationships between the great powers
and the ways in which this affected the balance of world power throughout this era. You are
taught a basic outline of the main events and themes of this period and are then free to research
and write up two extended pieces of coursework based on one person and one event of your
own choosing from within the period studied. This is an excellent opportunity to develop and show
off your independent research and study skills and to focus on people and events that most
interested you. Although working independently you will of course be given help and guidance
by your subject teacher.
Examination Board
Edexcel
Enrichment
opportunities
Each year History students are invited to participate in the Humanities
overseas trip. Recent visits have been to Italy, New York and Poland. In
addition there are regular opportunities to visit relevant exhibitions and
conferences held in London or the local area.
Minimum entry
Skills developed
How will I be
assessed?
Duration
AS: 1 Year
A2: 2 Years
You will need to have achieved the College’s standard minimum entry
requirement for level 3 of five Cs or above at GCSE. You must be literate
and enjoy reading. Grade C or above in English is expected. It is preferred,
but not essential, that you have studied History at GCSE and achieved a
grade C or above.
Researching information from a variety of sources.
Producing clear and well structured written answers.
Analysis and evaluation of information
Knowledge and understanding of current major historial events
which have shaped the world we live in.
Communication skills by presenting your views and joining in
class discussions.
Working as part of a team to research and present information
to the class.
The first three modules are assessed by examination, the fourth unit is
coursework. AS modules together make up one half of the total marks and
the A2 modules provide the remaining half of the available marks.
Each of the AS modules is assessed through written examination. For Unit 1
you are required to write two essay-style answers. In Unit 2 you will be
given a set of sources and be asked to answer two questions which will
test your ability to interpret and evaluate the sources in order to reach a
judgement on a historical debate.
A2 module 3 is assessed through a 2 hour written exam with two questions;
firstly an essay style question which will require you to use your knowledge
to analyse and reach a judgement on a historical issue or problem. The
second question will require you to use your own knowledge and source
material to explore an issue of historical debate and reach a well
reasoned verdict of your own.
Possible Subject
Combination
Contact for further
information
A2 module 4 – the Historical Enquiry: is assessed through internally marked
coursework. You are required to produce two pieces of extended writing,
approximately 2,000 words, based on your own independent research
into one person and one event chosen from your 20th Century
International Relations course.
Any
Anthony Jankowski, Head of Faculty
Sarah Hanley, Course Leader