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 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:
History magazines such as BBC History (available in our school
library)
Biographies of key figures covered by our course:
Hitler: A study in tyranny – Alan Bullock
Mussolini: The Rise and Fall of Il Duce – Christopher Hibbert
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.
