OVERVIEW OF SIXTH FORM COURSE.

 
History is a highly respected A-level subject, both as an intellectual discipline and as a vital tool in understanding the evolution of nations over time.  Through the study of the peculiarities of different cultures, their development and interaction, pupils can deepen their understanding of a complex, fast-changing world.   Through the skills of analysis and evaluation, fine-tuned through structured assignments, class discussion and individual study, pupils learn to evaluate both primary and secondary sources, are challenged to get to grips with a range of interpretations, and are encouraged to present and defend a personal viewpoint cogently and confidently.

History is well suited to complement any combination of A-level choices, irrespective of leanings to the ‘arts’ or ‘sciences’.  The skills that are fostered during the course ensure that A-level historians are welcomed in a wide variety of university courses and careers, most obviously the law, the Civil Service or journalism. Indeed any career that may require an ability to put together a well-expressed, succinct plan of action or argument would be well suited to an historian.

History can be studied in combination with any other subject. There are no special qualifications required, although a good result at GCSE will normally be expected. On the other hand, there have been excellent A-level candidates who have not taken GCSE history.

Sixth form history will follow the OCR AS/A2 course.  This offers considerable flexibility in choice of period and topic. The current arrangement is for one set to study the French Revolution and another to study 19th century national movements as starting points for a broadly modern (18th to 20 th century) course.

A major advantage of the new AS/A2 arrangements is that they effectively bridge the gulf that used to exist between GCSE and the old A-level. There is the opportunity to build on many of the skills fostered at GCSE, but in addition there is the challenge of studying issues at a more complex level, investigating and debating controversies.

The AS course consists of three units.  
The first unit is referred to as a Document Study (French Revolution or Italian Unification).  This is assessed by a 60-minute exam, consisting of one two-part question, calling upon candidates to compare sources and evaluate them using their own knowledge. 
Of the other two units one focuses on English and the other on European/World studies, both in the period parallel to the core Document unit. These are assessed by two 45-minute exams, with one essay to be written in each from a choice given.  The content of the course is broad enough to be varied and stimulating but not so extensive to create an adverse time pressure.

The A2 course consists of a further three units. 
Two of these units are assessed by examination and the third is non-examination (personal study).  
The first of the A2 units centres on an individual (for example, Chamberlain or Napoleon I) and is referred to as a Historical Investigation.  This unit not only examines the role of that personality in shaping history, but also investigates controversies surrounding different interpretations of that role. 
The second unit is entitled Themes in History.  This takes a broader look at an extended period of a country’s history (for example, Ireland 1798-1921, Russia 1855-1956, German Nationalism) examining patterns of development and evaluating questions of continuity and change.   
The third unit is an extended essay of 3,000 words.  This is a personal study and candidates have free choice in pursuing a topic of their own interest (though staff will guide pupils towards manageable goals).   Topics chosen can be entirely outside the periods covered by the rest of the AS/A2 syllabus if desired.  The emphasis is on examining a controversial issue, and candidates are called upon to demonstrate their ability to evaluate a question framed along the lines of “To what extent?, ‘How far?” or ‘How valid is the view that?’.

At both AS and A2 level there are two teachers for each set, with four periods being allocated to each teacher.  Work is carefully structured to enable pupils to build up skills of effective reading and note taking, and there is much emphasis on lively discussions, debates and quizzes. A-level historians are well served by a range of books and periodicals in the school and departmental libraries and are encouraged to contribute individual and group research using these as well as Internet resources.  The department is also fortunate in having an excellent range of supporting video material to further enliven the course.

The department has a long record of success in producing strong candidates for Oxford and Cambridge, and has maintained close links with a number of colleges. This, and the more general encouragement to A-level historians to take their studies further, is reinforced by the regular meetings of the History Society whose recent visitors have included historians of world renown. 

In line with the joint memorandum of agreement with the School of St. Helen and St. Katharine the department is currently developing fresh links with sixth form historians there, particularly through the history Society and related social events.

Anyone who wishes to know more about A-level history is welcome to ask Dr May, Mr. McGill, Mr. Phelan, Mr Crook or Mr. Davies. 

Dr. C.J. May