Exam Board: AQA
1C: The Tudors: England, 1485–1603 (Breadth Study: 40%)
From Henry VII’s victory at the Battle of Bosworth to Elizabeth’s rousing speech to her troops who fought off the Spanish Armada, you will be learning about the ins and outs of the Tudor court. You will learn how Henry VII, a usurper with no real claim to the throne, founded the most famous English dynasty. You will understand exactly why Henry VIII needed six wives and how he tore the English Church apart to gain a male heir. You will understand why Edward VI and Mary I’s reigns brought about a ‘mid-Tudor crisis’ filled with religious turmoil and economic strife. And finally, you will learn why Elizabeth’s reign has been heralded as a Golden Age.
2Q: The American Dream: reality and illusion, 1945–1980 (Depth Study: 40%)
What is the American Dream and did it become a reality in the late 20th Century? You will learn about post-war America and how President Truman sought to build the economy, whilst staving off another deadly conflict with superpower rival, the USSR. You will then learn about Eisenhower’s presidency as the Cold War worsens and proxy-wars begin in Asia. Then you will learn of the hope and excitement that JF Kennedy brought to the American people, and the momentum of the Civil Rights movement in the 60s, followed by the devastation that came from both MLK and JFK’s assassinations. This is followed by a study of America during the late 60s and 70s – Vietnam, the Peace Protest Movement, Black Power and Watergate. The course finishes by reflecting on whether, by the end of Nixon’s presidency, America had truly achieved equality, justice and freedom for her people.
Unit 3: Historical Investigation (3000 word essay – coursework)
This will be on a topic of your choice, though it has to be one that stretches over 100 years. You will independently research and write this with guidance from your teacher.
80% examination / 20% coursework
Sixth Form entry requirements - grade 5 in History or Grade 6 in English if you haven’t studied history at GCSE.
For University:
Many students choose to take History at university. It goes well with other arts subjects for a combined honours degree, such as geography or English Literature. Furthermore, history is a fantastic subject for those who wish to go on to study politics or law; this is because it develops your skills of research and debate, and helps you to form both a written and verbal argument.
For apprenticeship or training:
An A Level in history displays a number of skills that employers look for. It shows you can write an essay, which means you will be confident writing letters or formal emails. It also shows that you are able to do research and memorise a large amount of information, which is a transferable skill across many jobs and courses. The frequent debates that will take place in your history lessons will also build up your confidence and verbal reasoning skills. This will help you to prepare for interviews and make presentations to your employer or team.