History

What will be taught?

In the Autumn term of the Fourth Year, pupils cover Russian history 1905-41.  This consists of the long and short-term causes of the Revolutions of 1917, the establishment of Bolshevik power in Russia, the struggle for power after Lenin's death and Stalin's modernisation and the purges.

In the Spring and Summer terms of the Fourth Year the syllabus moves on to international relations, beginning with the problems of the peace treaties of 1919, the failures of the League of Nations, the impact of the Wall St Crash and Depression, the rise of Hitler and increasing threats to world peace from Germany, Italy and Japan. Some time is spent in the Summer term studying the various causes of the Second World War.

In the Autumn term of the Fifth Year, a brief amount of time is spent on studying the events of the Second World War before moving on to the development of the Cold War  in Europe from 1945 - 49.  This is followed by case studies of the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 and America's involvement in Vietnam.  The second half of the Autumn term and the first part of the Spring Term will be devoted to studying British history 1906-1918.  The remainder of the Spring term will be used for coursework.  What remains of the Summer term is given over to thorough revision in preparation for the exams.

 

How will it be taught?

History is taught in mixed ability classes.  There are four periods of history per week.

 

How will it be examined?

The exams are set by OCR, the syllabus is Modern World History.  The course is assessed through two examinations and coursework.  All pupils take common papers which give access to all grades.

On paper 1 (two hours), candidates are examined on international relations between 1919 and the 1980s, and on a special depth study on Russia 1905-41.

On paper 2, (one and a half hours), candidates are examined on changes in British society between 1906-1918, focusing largely on the ‘Home Front’ in Britain during the First World War.

Coursework consists of two essays of about 1,000 words in length. Either both pieces will be on aspects of Germany under the Nazis, or one on Germany and one on the USA between 1919-1941.  These essays are marked by the pupils' own teacher, but some will be sent to an external examiner for moderation.  The marks for coursework count for 25% of the overall grade.

 

On paper 1 the main skill being tested is the ability to recall relevant information and use it to construct an argument.  The marks for this paper contribute 45% of the final grade.  On paper 2 the main skill being tested is the ability to evaluate source material for reliability and usefulness.  The marks for this paper contribute 30% of the final grade.  On the coursework, one essay will test the skills required for paper 1 and the other will test those required for paper 2.