HISTORY
  		 
Edexcel, Specification 8264 'AS'
                                   9264 'A2'

'AS' Assessment
Unit Code  Title/Description Method of Assessment Distribution of Marks
1 6521 Boom and Bust
The social and economic history of the USA in the 'Roaring Twenties' and at the time of the Great Depression		 Externally Assessed Written Examination (1 ½ hrs)

40%

‘AS’

20%

‘A’ Level
2 6522 Pursuing 'Life and Liberty'
A study of the changing position of Afro-Americans in the quarter century after WWII in the USA		 Externally Assessed Written Examination (1 hr)

30%

‘AS’

15%

‘A’ Level
3 6523

Life in Hitler's Germany
The consequences of Nazi rule on German people in the 1930s and how groups such as young people. women and minorities were treated.

 Externally Assessed Written Examination (1  hr)

30%

‘AS’

15%

‘A’ Level

'A2' Assessment
Unit Code  Title/Description Method of Assessment Distribution of Marks
4 6524 Containing Communism?
A survey of US foreign policy in South East Asia with a focus on the Korean and Vietnam wars		 Externally Assessed Written Examination (1 ¼ hrs) 15%
5 6525 Media / Communications in the 20th Century
A coursework study of changes in the media in Britain over the last 100 years, with a focus on the importance of television		 Externally Assessed Coursework      (circa 3250 words) 15%
6 6526 Cold War to Detente
A study of the Cold War and changing superpower relations in the last half century		 Externally Assessed Written Examination (1 ¾ hrs) 20%
 
 


The focus in Year 12 is on the domestic history of the USA in the last century with a range of social, economic and political units.  There is also a unit on Nazi Germany which provides a striking contrast from a non-democratic society in the 1930s, and this course addresses a number of interesting and disturbing issues which have considerable relevance today.

The courses are all examined in June.  By the end of Year 12 the students should have an appreciation of the internal issues in American society, the economy and political arena which should be invaluable as background to the themes which are covered in A2, as well as an in-depth knowledge of Germany under the Nazis before World War II.


The course in Year 13 concentrates more on international issues, and in particular on the Cold War period.  Students will sit the unit 4 examination in January and then complete the coursework unit in term 2 of Year13.  The final synoptic paper will be taken in June.  The courses are well supported by an extensive range of video, book and computer-based resources, and the teaching strategies focus on student involvement and motivation.

During the course the students will learn about the significance of individuals, issues and societies; how and why societies have changed over time; the theories of historians; the nature of historical evidence; about different interpretations of the past and how to express historical ideas confidently and effectively.  the course will appeal to students who have an interest in the past, enjoy investigation and discovery, enjoy debate and putting forward a well-argued case, want to improve their analytical skills, want to study a subject which encourages the formulation of opinions, want to broaden studies to include a humanities subject and keep options open for the future.  The course also enables students to develop key skills in the areas of communication, information technology, problem solving, working with others and improving own learning and performance.

Career Prospects
Students who study history at this level will have access to a wide range of career and higher education opportunities. By the end of the course students will have learned how to evaluate and analyse information, how to weigh up evidence and how to communicate complex ideas effectively. History continues to be a highly regarded subject at this level and these skills are recognised and valued by employers, universities and colleges. It combines well with maths and science subjects to create an attractive portfolio of qualifications, as well as with English and modern foreign languages.  History provides an excellent foundation for a number of popular careers including journalism, law and business.