History

• Depth Study on Democracy and Nazism: Germany 1918-1945 (40%)
  • Weimar Republic and the ‘Golden Age’ 1918-1933
  • The Collapse of Democracy, 1928-1933
  • The Nazi Dictatorship, 1933-39
  • The impact of war, 1939-45

• Breadth Study on Tudor History 1485-1603 (40%)
  • The consolidation of the Tudor Dynasty: Henry VII
  • Henry VIII
  • Mid-Tudor Crisis 1547-1563
  • The Triumph of Elizabeth 1563-1603

• Coursework – a personal investigation on Civil Rights in the United states 1850’s to 1960’s (20%)
  • Learners will complete an investigation of a debate or controversy from the growth of Civil Rights in the USA.  Developing university level research, selection and interpretation skills they will evaluate (primary) sources and (secondary) historians’ interpretations over approximately 4000 words.

Why did Henry VIII divorce Catherine of Aragon? Was Hitler a strong or weak dictator? Who was the most successful civil rights leader? History is a never ending debate. History lessons involve research, discussion and debate to develop different points of view.  In addition teacher-led and student-led presentations will help you make your own supported arguments on significant turning points in history that still influence the world we live in today. You will have homework tasks to complete using Moodle to prepare for each lesson. Our well stocked library will help you to continue your reading independently to boost your grades and develop skills that will prepare you for university and the world of work..

Classroom activities will include:

• Class debate and group discussion
• Analysing primary sources and evaluating historians’ interpretations.
• Quizzes in different formats to help you learn the detail
• Research tasks individually and in groups with student led presentations
• Timed essays and skills focus lessons

Based on research into how students learn best, each subject will set independent work to allow you to recap what you have done in the past, consolidate understanding for what you are studying in the present and develop the skills and experiences which will help you for the future. You can read more about the college’s approach to independent study here

The Past
Click here for the suggested ongoing revision activities in this subject which research has shown are most likely to boost your achievement

The Present
Each subject will set weekly homework tasks to help you consolidate your understanding and prepare for your next lesson. This work is typically set through Microsoft Teams, so you will have an electronic log of all your work, notes and feedback.

The Future
A key part of your independent work in this subject will be to prepare for a range of potential jobs and higher education courses when you leave us. To get started, look below at the top higher education courses and jobs which previous students of this course have gone on to do.

History is highly regarded by universities and employers and is a recognised route into a wide range of careers. History encourages skills of comprehension, analysis and evaluation, develops your ability to weigh up information, evidence and ideas, critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your own ideas and those of others, and then express and develop those opinions in writing and in discussion.

Developing the skill to put forward a convincing argument, communicating in a concise and logical style is a preparation for the professions, especially law, Economics, business and management, the civil service, politics, journalism, the media, public relations and personnel, History is highly regarded.  However, our experience has also shown that scientists find History an ideal companion subject, with a complementary enhancement of logical thinking. History teachers support learners to complete Extended Projects, university entrance essays and examinations.

In History you will develop the KE6 Attributes, in particular; Thinking Creatively, Acting with Integrity, Adapting My Approach, Communicating Effectively, Getting Things Done, and Remaining Positive.

Because history develops strong skills in argument, persuasion and use of evidence, many historians follow careers in Law. Teaching, civil service and politics, journalism and business are also popular career paths. Former students now study degrees including Law, History, Politics and English at universities such as Warwick, Durham, Oxford, Birmingham and Kings College London.