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Mirfield College

History

A Level, History

Welcome to History and the study of a subject that will enhance not only your understanding of the past but also enable you to make sense of the modern political world. History is the study of past events and the impact they have on the present and the future. Enter a world of political, religious, social and economic intrigue with a study of the Tudor dynasty from Henry VII through to his granddaughter Elizabeth I. Investigate how historians have interpreted this revolutionary and turbulent time period that laid the foundations for modern Britain. At the same time, you will also be thrust into a study of the rise and fall of democracy in Germany after WWI. Why did the experimentation with democracy fail in the most liberal and democratic European state of its day and how was Nazism able to rise in its place? What happens to societies and politics when democracies fail and people become desperate in the face of economic hardships? Crucially, does the history of Germany from 1918-1945 have anything to teach us about the global world we now inhabit more than 75 years on?

Over the course of two years you will also have the opportunity to investigate, research and write about the collapse of the British Empire from c1847-c1947. How and why did the most powerful empire on earth come to an end and was there any singular factor that ultimately brought it to its knees in the wake of WWII? This coursework element provides you with the chance to work independently and in a way that equips you for further study beyond your A Levels. You will also have the opportunity to conduct research at Huddersfield University to support your independent enquiry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Course Outlines

Entry Requirements

Grade 5 in GSCE History with Grade 5 in GCSE English Language.

 

Assessment

  • The Tudors = 40%
  • Democracy and Nazism = 40%
  • British Empire (Non-examined assessment) = 20%

 

Course Units

  • The Tudors: England, 1485–1603
  • Democracy and Nazism: Germany, 1918–1945
  • British Empire from c1857-c1947 (Non-examined assessment)

 

Future Opportunities

If you are interested in a career in journalism, law or politics, then an A level qualification in history is essential. A level history is highly valued by Russell Group universities and is seen as a facilitating subject because of the transferable skills that it equips potential candidates with. Previous students have gone on to study history and its related subjects at degree level and others have pursued careers in education, writing, business, media and law.

 

Further Information

If you enjoy the challenge of history, like reading and writing and want to be able to ‘think’ like a historian, then this is the course for you. Analytical skills will be developed, enabling these to be applied to other areas of study. Students need to be self-motivated and dedicated to pursuing their own historical interests, as well as effective at using their own initiative.