A Level History

Board: OCR syllabus ‘A’

Head of Department: Ed Webb

History AS/A2 Level

This is an exciting and relevant history course that gives students the chance to explore wide-ranging topics and key themes that span the 16th, 19th, and 20th centuries, and provides an excellent bridge between GCSE and university.

The theme of empire runs through much of the A level, from the decline of the British Empire after WW2, to the epoch of the US ‘imperial presidency’ – the Vietnam War – and the problems involved in trying to rule the Russian/Soviet empire. And, for something completely different, we consider the role of an individual, Martin Luther, in bringing about the 16th century revolution in religious thought in Europe – the Reformation.

We are very supportive in encouraging all our students to achieve their best work. There is a strong focus on essay writing and document analysis and we place a high emphasis on class discussion and wider reading. The coursework unit will especially help develop students’ research and independent study skills.

AS

UNIT 1: Foreign and Imperial Policy 1945-90 (British Modern History Period Study)
Decolonisation; GB and the Cold War 1945-64; changing attitudes to Europe 1945-73; nuclear disarmament; Thatcher’s foreign policy.

UNIT 2: The German Reformation 1517-55 (European Early Modern History Enquiry)
Luther’s ideas, their impact, reactions to them; why did Lutheranism survive?

A2

UNIT 3: The War in Vietnam 1955-75 (Historical Interpretations and Investigations Coursework)
The causes and consequences of the Vietnam War; reasons for US failure; research skills; analysis of interpretations; carrying out an investigation.

UNIT 4: Russia and its Rulers 1855-1964 (Historical Themes)
Comparing Tsars and Communist dictators; nature of government; impact of war and revolution on society.

Assessment

AS one essay paper and one documents paper
A2 two essays for coursework and one ‘themes’ essay paper

Entry Requirement

Grade B in History or English GCSE.