Aims:
To stimulate interest in this 'never-ending" subject; to increase understanding and knowledge, not only of historical events, their causes and consequences but also of human behaviour, past and present; to develop the many general and specialist skills of the historian. In brief, our aim is to make the study of history interesting and rewarding.
What will I study?
We will cover two main areas of history. The first of these is the history of the USAin the 20th Century, including the black civil rights movement, whilst the second period covered is the Stuart era of English history.
At A2 one of the modules will be a personal study of a historical topic of your choice.
How will I be assessed?
The AS qualification will consist of two modules, each of which will be examined separately.
The A2 comprises another two modules - one of which will be the Personal Study.
Desirable requirements:
Students who take Advanced Level History will have a love of the subject and should enjoy thinking, questioning, reading and discussing. The course requires an ability to write clearly and concisely and present reasoned arguments. An interest in people is important, since history is a subject where the study of human beings is central.
How will I study?
You will be working both independently and in groups. Each group is taught by two members of the department. In class there will be some formal teaching, lots of opportunity for discussion, and use of written sources and audio-visual materials. Homework will be related to and extend work done in class.
A willingness to undertake thorough background reading and research is essential for class discussion, essay writing and the personal study.
There will be opportunities to attend lectures in and out of school, visit places of historical interest both in this country and abroad, and to enjoy a visit to the cinema or theatre when the subject is related to our History course. We often arrange trips abroad, particularly to theUSA, to enhance knowledge and enjoyment of the subject.
Where will it lead?
That is up to you. The answer to the question "What can I do with History?" is "virtually anything". The attitudes and skills acquired by the historian are attractive to most employers, and history students enter a wide range of professions, especially Law, Administration, Management, Journalism, the Media and Broadcasting, Museums, Archive and Library work, to name but a few.
"History has always been my favourite subject but I have enjoyed it even more during the Sixth Form. The smaller class sizes mean you can have really fun debates and all the attention you need off your teacher. One thing I personally think is fantastic, which we almost take for granted, is how much help teachers are willing to give outside lessons. Whether it is 8.00am or during lunch they are always willing to give up their free time."