Early Modern History - Castle Sixth Form

Early Modern History
Exam Board: Edexcel

HOW IS THE SPECIFICATION DIFFERENT?

The Edexcel GCE in History has 4 units. These units are:

Unit 1: Historical Themes in Breadth - Students study two topics in order to gain a broad overview of a particular theme and will assess the historical significance of events, ideas, attitudes, beliefs and how these influenced behaviours and actions.
Unit 2: British History Depth Studies - Students will study a period of British History in order to develop an in-depth understanding of attitudes, beliefs and structures of society.
Unit 3: Depth Studies and Associated Historical Controversies - Students will undertake a depth study to explore the nature of challenges and conflict relating to societies and/or political systems in the period studied, and to explore an issue of historical debate.
Unit 4: Historical Enquiry – Students will carry out an enquiry which will address the aspects of a chosen theme over a period of at least 100 years. They will examine both the short-term significance of an individual, movement or event, as well as the factors affecting change throughout the whole period.

THE COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT

AS LEVEL – Examination 2011
Unit 1: The Wars of the Roses in England, 1455-1485, AND The Reign of Henry V11, 1485-1509
Unit 2: Henry V111: Authority, Nation and Religion, 1509-1540

A LEVEL – Examination 2012
Unit 3: Protest, Crisis and Rebellion in England, 1536- 1588
UNIT 4: Coursework – The Golden Age of Spain, 1474-1598

What can I do with an A Level in History?

You can progress to higher education courses such as degrees in History, or to degrees in related subjects such as Politics, English Literature, Economics, Philosophy, Sociology or Geography; or to vocational qualifications such as BTEC Higher National Certificate/Diploma in Media/Journalism or in Travel and Tourism.

An Advanced Level in History will give you a number of skills relevant to many types of employment, such relevant to many types of employment, such as the ability to seek information and argue a case orally and in writing. These intellectual skills and the knowledge gained from the study of History provide excellent preparation for careers, either directly related to the subject eg. working in museums, galleries, heritage sites, record offices and teaching; or in areas such as law, journalism, libraries, national and local government and the civil service.

What do I need to know, or be able to do, before taking this course?

To study the GCE in History you need an interest in the world around you, an enquiring mind and the ability to weigh up different evidence or arguments. You do not need to have GCSE History in order to study History to AS/A2 Level. However, you may find it helpful, as the AS/A2 builds on skills developed at GCSE such as the communication of historical knowledge and the ability to analyse historical sources. You will need at least a GCSE grade C in English.

How will I be assessed?

A combination of assessment techniques will be used. You will be required to undertake extended writing and essays in all units. In Unit 1 you will need to answer two extended writing questions. In Unit 2, you will need to cross-reference and evaluate the source material to reach a judgement. In Unit 3 you will use sources to explore areas of historical debate. Unit 4 is coursework, an enquiry in depth. The assignment you do should consist of about 4000 words.

Is this subject right for me?

The AS/A2 in History will appeal to you if:

You have an interest in the world around you, the society you live in, and how it has developed
You like learning about people, how they interact, and what motivates them
You like learning about different countries, societies and cultures
You enjoy discussion, debate and argument
You like to think for yourself and develop your own views
You enjoy reading, research and analysing material to check for bias and propaganda.