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HISTORY

Course leader: Miss R Wickenden

Aims of the course:

  • This course aims to deepen your interest and enjoyment of History
    as well as developing your ability to analyse key events and themes and evaluate source evidence. The four key components of the course cover the development of nationalism, dictatorship and democracy in 20th century Europe, as well as the changing nature of warfare since the 18th century and the abolition of the slave trade:
    • Germany and West Germany, 1918-1989 (Unit 1G)
    • The Rise and Fall of Fascism in Italy, c.1911-46 (Unit 2G.1)
    • The British Experience of warfare, c.1790-1918 (Unit 35.2)
    • Coursework: Slavery and its Abolition, c1730-1833


What are lessons like?

  • History lessons are interactive, and involve a balance of teacher
    input, class discussion, video clips, independent reading, note- taking, pair work and group activities. Students are encouraged to participate in class debates about historical issues and to support their opinions with evidence.


What are exams like?

  • Paper 1: 2 hours 15 minutes (Worth 30%) Breadth study with interpretations: Germany 1918-1989
  • Paper 2: 1 hour 30 minutes (Worth 20% ) Depth study: Fascist Italy
  • Paper 3: 2 hours 15 minutes (Worth 30%) Themes in breath and aspects in depth: The British Experience of Warfare, c1790-1918
  • Coursework (Worth 20%) An independently-researched assignment analysing and evaluating different historical interpretations of an event

Recommended prior learning /entry requirements:

  • You should have gained at least a Grade 5 in GCSE History
  • If you did not take GCSE History, you can still take A Level History and be successful but we would look to see that you had at least a Grade 5s in comparable subjects such as English, Geography or Religious Education.


Recommended additional reading:


Where can this course lead to?

  • History is regarded as a ‘facilitating subject’ by Russell Group universities.
  • History is valued by a wide range of employers who recognise that the subject requires high level critical thinking and analytical skills as well as good recall and written communication. Future career options might include business and retail, the armed forces or police, government and politics, education, law, public services, etc.


Why study History at St Mary’s College Sixth Form?

  • You are interested in the past, but want to know more.
  • You want to understand the world you live in.
  • You enjoy discussing different points of view.
  • You enjoy using detective skills to question evidence.
  • You like expressing your own opinion.
  • You like lessons to be varied, exciting and well taught.
  • You are willing to work hard.
  • You want to get a good result.
  • You want a respected qualification.
  • You want to keep your future options open.