Why History?
The period studied is the sixteenth century when the foundations of much of the modern world were laid – politically, religiously, culturally and intellectually. It has the advantage for the Sixth Form student of perspective, containing a manageable amount of material, colourful personalities and exciting events. There is the possibility of taking History in the Sixth Form without having taken History GCSE. Students are advised to discuss this with a member of the History staff.
Course Overview
Unit 1 – Option B: Power, Belief and Conflict in Early Modern Europe
Luther, Lutheranism and the German Reformation and Meeting the Challenge? The Catholic Reformation, c.1540-1600. These topics are overviews of key developments in European history in the 16th century; students develop their skills in essay writing.
Unit 2 – Option A: Early Modern Britain: Crown and Authority
Henry VIII: Authority, Nation and Religion, 1509-1540. This looks at a crucial period of change and development under the new Tudor dynasty and is studied through contemporary sources.
Unit 3 – Option A: Revolution and Conflict In England
Protest, Crisis and Rebellion in England, 1536-88. This explores Mid-Tudor England at a time of crisis and investigates the historical controversies and debates which surround the period.
Unit 4 - The Golden Age of Spain, 1474-1598
This looks at a period of Spanish history which includes the unification of Spain under Ferdinand and Isabella, Charles V’s expanding empire and the reign of Philip II. It is intended to be a contrast with the period of British history studied for Units 2 and 3. Two pieces of coursework are prepared, one of which looks in depth at the short term significance of an individual or factor and incorporates the use of contemporary source material; the other looks at change over a 100 year period.
Assessment
AS Level assessment is by written examinations on Luther, Lutheranism and the German Reformation and Meeting the Challenge? The Catholic Reformation, c.1540-1600 and Henry VIII: Authority, Nation and Religion, 1509-1540. Assessment at A2 Level is by written examination on Protest, Crisis and Rebellion in England, 1536-88 and by coursework on The Golden Age of Spain, 1474-1598.
Beyond A Level
History is a strongly academic subject, well regarded by universities, through which students develop the skills to analyse a range of sources and to sustain logical and coherent lines of argument. It complements a programme of study of a broad range of subjects from Languages and Economics to the Sciences as well as other Humanities courses. Candidates who opt for History will find that the subject is a preparation for any career which involves the selection and synthesis of material and its presentation – law, journalism, business and politics are the obvious ones. It provides a valuable background for a wide variety of opportunities for the future.