Welcome to the History Department!

1. Welcome to the History Department! THE HISTORY DEPARTMENT What can the study of A level History offer students?

2. What can the study of A Level History offer students? • Career relevance • Critical thinking skills • Motivation to study

3. How can A Level History offer ‘career relevance’? History teaches young people to become critical thinkers. Students of history are taught to question the motivation behind peoples’ actions and words. History encourages tolerance through the study of other periods and societies. The study of history requires self discipline, a fact acknowledged by institutes of higher education and employers. The student of history should be able to construct a supported, rational argument and select the essential from the trivial.

4. Don’t just take my word for it! The highly respected ‘Which?’ consumer guides wrote the following in their ‘Which Subject, Which Career? Book 2002’ ‘historians are regarded as having had an education that trains their minds to assemble, organise and present facts and opinions. This is a very useful quality in many walks of life and careers…history is an excellent preparation for very many jobs’

5. Some prominent people who have studied History… Journalists Jeremy Bowen – BBC foreign correspondant Dermot Murnaghan – BBC Breakfast presenter Alan Green – Sky sports presenter Entertainers Michael Palin presenter Sting former History Teacher! Politicians Gordon Brown MP- Chancellor of the Exchequer John Prescott MP Deputy Prime Minister Diane Abbott MP first black woman MP Kenneth Clarke MP former Chancellor Michael Portillo MP Business people David Sainsbury – CEO Sainsbury’s Roland Smith, former director Bank of England, now dir. Manchester United Howard Springer CEO Sony America

6. How can A level History develop students as critical thinkers? • The student of history notices that they are part of a bigger picture – they question their surroundings. • Historians are taught to develop their own views; they don’t mindlessly follow the views of others.

7. Why is A level History ‘stimulating’? • A level students need to be self motivated so that they manage their free time effectively. • Students are more likely to study if they enjoy the subjects they are taking. Just look at the stuff we have lined up for you!

8. What does AS Level History involve? In year 12 History students cover two topics: • The Unification of Italy You will study the events that led up to the unification of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861. You will discover the significance of the Risorgimento and examine the role played by the legendary Garibaldi (above left) and Mazzini (below left). You will also study the obstacles to Italian unification and consider whether Italy really constituted a unified state after 1861. This is a fascinating and exciting period of European History!

9. What does AS Level History involve? • Britain in the Age of Pitt and Liverpool This module captures Britain at one of the most significant periods in our development as a nation. This course looks at the political background to these exciting times with a particular emphasis on two Prime Ministers; William Pitt the Younger (above left) and Lord Liverpool (below left). The course examines the basis of Pitt’s power and the challenges he faced as a result of the French Revolution. The course then goes on to look at the nineteenth century with a focus on the Tory government of Lord Liverpool.  

10. What does A2 History involve? In year 13 History students cover two topics: • Russian Dictatorship The A2 course represents a return to more modern history. This module focuses on change and continuity across a broad and fascinating period of Russian History. The module begins with the accession of the reforming Tsar Alexander II in 1855. The revolutions of 1917 mark a turning point in this course as the Bolsheviks, or Communists, seize power and the USSR is born. Students will examine the development of the USSR up to 1956 and the emergence of the once backward Russia as one of the world’s great superpowers.

11. What does A2 History involve? • Anglo German Relations 1919 – 1939 This module gives students the chance to get to grips with one of the most notorious periods of British History as they look at the role played by the British Government in the run up to the Second World War. Students will consider the rise of Hitler and the role played by the now infamous Neville Chamberlain and his policy of ‘appeasement’. Chamberlain has been roundly condemned by history for his failure to ‘stand up to’ Hitler in 1938 and this module allows students the chance to reconsider Chamberlain through the study of interpretations of his role.

12. What does A2 History involve? And finally… A2 History students also have to research and write an independent investigation. This is the real stuff of history as students have to choose their own question, find materials for research and plan and write up their finished piece.

13. What goes on in an A Level History classroom? You will notice a big difference from the History lessons you may be used to! • A level history focuses much more on the student as a facilitator of their own learning. • Reading plays a big part in the study of A level history. You will often be asked to do background reading on a topic which will form the basis of a discussion in the next lesson. • Independent research is important so you will need to examine a wide variety of books and articles. • Class debate is important in helping you to consider the views of others and to form your own point of view on an historical question.

14. How Successful is the History Department? • We have an impressive pedigree of excellent results for History A-level June 2004 A2 A – E 100% (All students actually achieved grade D and above!) A –C 90% AS A – E 100% A – C 74% June 2003 A2 A – E 100% A –C 85% AS A – E 95% A – C 85%

15. Thanks for listening… Hopefully this presentation has caught your imagination and encouraged you to think about the possibility of studying History at A Level. Remember that you will study harder for subjects that you enjoy! If you have any questions please speak to Mrs Warriner.