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Why choose History?
History
The best reason for choosing History in the Sixth Form is that the past interests you.
You will learn not only what happened in the past but how to find out why it happened. You will come
to understand better how today‟s world works and how things came to be the way they are.
Whilst you are learning about the past you will acquire a number of useful and valuable skills. As a
History student you will learn to analyse information, make judgments on it and formulate
conclusions. You will develop the ability to write a report or essay which is concise, analytical,
supported by evidence and which clearly addresses the issue.
These are skills which are highly relevant in many careers.
Higher Education
A History degree in itself is a highly marketable commodity. Almost all careers [outside specialist
areas like engineering, natural sciences and medicine] are open to the History graduate such as law,
accountancy, administration, public relations and the media. More directors of FTSE 100 companies
have history degrees than any other single subject.
Entry requirements
Those of you wishing to study History in the Sixth Form should have an interest in the world about
you, an enquiring mind and an ability to weigh up different arguments or evidence. You should have
a minimum of five GCSE passes at grade C or above, including English Literature or English
Language. A GCSE in History is an obvious advantage but is not essential.
Course details
You will study four units, two in Year 12 [giving you an AS] and two in Year 13:
Unit 1: Historical Themes in Breadth [Examined]
The first section, Russia in Revolution 1881-1924, investigates the challenges to the Tsarist state,
its destruction in the revolutions of 1917 and the construction of the Soviet Union under Lenin. The
second section, Stalin’s Russia, 1924-1953, focuses on Stalin‟s rise to power and the establishment
of his totalitarian superpower state.
Unit 2: British History Depth Study [Examined]
This unit focuses on the British Government‟s gradual acceptance of responsibility for Poverty and
Public Health in the nineteenth century in response to the squalor of the industrial urban
experience.
Unit 3: Depth Study and Associated Historical Controversy [Examined]
The World in Crisis, 1879-1941 focuses on the causes of the First World War, particularly the
shifting alliances systems, European imperialism and the pre-War naval race. Additionally the
causes of the Second World War are studied including the responsibility of the post-Great War
settlements, the failure of the League of Nations and the rise of Hitler.
Unit 4: Historical Enquiry [Coursework]
The coursework unit concerns the development of representative systems of government in Britain
from just before the 1832 „Great Reform Act‟ to just after 1928 when women received the vote on the
same basis as men.
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