Studying History helps us to make sense of the world around us, better understand the complex problems that exist within societies today and enables us to build an identity through which we can approach the ever changing challenges of the future.
The skills developed through the study of History help students to be more perceptive, analytical thinkers and are transferable to many other subject and careers following school. They include research, building successful arguments, analysing evidence and applying large amounts of knowledge to specific issues.
Exam Board: Pearson Edexcel
Year 1 Subject Content:
Apartheid in South Africa:
Looking at the history of the country from 1945-1994, during which the political, social and cultural life of South Africa was transformed through the establishment and then deconstruction of the Apartheid system.
The history of America during the 20th century:
Students will study four themes of American history through this transformative era, including politics, civil rights, and social and cultural change, all of which have impacted the wider world in ways that are both obvious and implicit.
Year 2 Subject Content
Coursework:
In the second year, students will develop their understanding of the American Civil Rights Movement through the research and writing of their coursework, which will enable them to investigate an area of the topic that they found particularly interesting.
The British Empire:
At the same time they will study their final topic, that of the rise and fall of the British empire. This is a particularly relevant area of study, which considers both British and wider world history, so as to better understand the country we now live in. To do this students will learn about the history of India, North Africa, Canada, America and Australia, giving a global context to many of the historical events students have already studied at Key Stage 3 and 4.
Career Opportunities / Routes
History students will develop many skills which will support them to successfully pursue work in a wide range of professions, including law, management, the arts, media, journalism, the Civil Service, education and politics.
Assessment
Paper 1: Breadth study with interpretations
In search of the American dream: the USA, c1917–96
Paper 2: Depth Study
South Africa, 1948–94: from apartheid state to ‘rainbow nation’
Paper 3: Themes in breadth with aspects in depth –
Britain: losing and gaining an empire, 1763–1914
Coursework
Assessment of ability to carry out a historical enquiry, analysing and evaluating historical interpretations, and organising and communicating the findings.