Francis Holland School History AS (Edexcel 8264) for lower sixth and History A2 (A-Level) Edexcel 9264 for upper sixth | Index | About | Calendar | Links | Sixth Form | Sixth Form Subjects Art Biology Chemistry Classics Latin Classical Civilisation Economics English Geography History History of Art Mathematics Modern Foreign Languages French, German & Spanish Music Physics Psychology Religious Studies Theatre Studies Sixth Form Introduction History The History department offers Advanced Subsidiary (Lower VI) and A2 (Upper VI) courses in Nineteenth Century British, European and World History. These courses may be combined for a full A Level. The nineteenth century is an important period of study for understanding the modern world and the A Level complements, but does not repeat, our GCSE and Key Stage 3 courses. The AS course consists of three units:- Poverty and the British State: c1815-50 The Road to Unification, Italy c. 1848-70 Responding to Reform: Party and Policy in the age of Gladstone and Disraeli, 1876-85 The A2 course consists of a further three units:- The Bourbons Restored: France 1815-30 Britain and Decolonization c.1870-1980 Radicalism and the British Sate: the Chartist Experience, 1838-50 These units offer considerable variety in term of perspective and depth of study. Students learn about government legislation and policies, but also about extra-parliamentary protest. The study of Britain and Decolonization c.1870-1980 involves coverage of change over a long period of time, but the other two units are much more detailed studies. The study of Chartism, in particular, looks closely at the interpretation of events and the issues surrounding them. All the units are tested by single paper examinations with source based, stimulus or essay questions. It is not necessary to have studied History at GCSE to do the A/AS course, although students who have developed their sourcework skills at GCSE will be at an advantage initially. The style of lessons is very different from GCSE as we like them, as often as possible, to be seminars where students can offer their own views and discuss their own research. A willingness to read is, therefore, a prerequisite for studying History in the Sixth Form; we have a good collection of relevant texts in the School Library, most of which are on a reserve shelf to ensure that they are shared equally. History students have opportunities to develop not just the key skills of Communication and Information Technology, but also the analytical and critical skills sought by university admissions tutors. Several students each year apply to read History at university and the department offers help with choosing courses and preparing for interviews. | Index | About | Calendar | Links | Sixth Form |