History

EXAM SPECIFICATION: OCR H505 https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-and-a-level/history-a-h105-h505-from-2015/

History is stimulating, challenging, amusing and rewarding. It can totally change your view of the world. In our course, we journey back to sixteenth century England to look at dynastic struggles in the Early Tudor period, before focusing on the twentieth century to consider the radical changes in Revolutionary Russia and post-war USA. We also investigate the rise and decline of witchcraft during the 16th & 17th centuries and how far it emerged out of the popular culture of the time. By looking in depth, we illuminate wider historical themes and equip ourselves with the skills to see patterns in any period of the past.

View the PowerPoint below to get an overview of the course. Click on the speakers for an explanation from the Head of Department, Mr Jennings!

STUDENT VIDEO: Current student, Alfie Swan, describes what it's like to study A Level History.

The Course

Year 12

Unit 1: British period study and enquiry

• England 1485-1558: The Early Tudors

Unit 2: Non-British Period Study

• Russia 1894 – 1941

Year 13

Unit 3: Thematic study and historical interpretations

• Civil Rights in the USA 1865-1992

Unit 4: Coursework

• Popular Culture and the Witchcraze of the 16th and 17th Centuries

Skills

• Essay writing
• Debating
• Source analysis
• Presentation skills
• Research and independent learning
• Forming judgements based on evidence
• Critical and reflective thinking
• Appreciation of social, cultural, religious and ethnic diversity over time

Examinations

All A-level exams are at the end of Year 13:

• 1x 1 hour 30 minute exam (Tudors)
• 1x 1 hour exam (Russia)
• 1x 2 hour 30 minute exam (Civil Rights)
• Coursework: 3,000-4,000 word essay

Enrichment

• Hampton Court day trip
• New York and Washington Politics and History trip (1 week)
• Student-led History Society

For further details, please contact Mr Jennings, Head of History pjennings@bishopstopford.com