History

We offer a choice of two A-level History courses at Woking College. Both courses offer the chance to study exciting periods of history in much more detail than at GCSE.

Both courses offer the chance to study some British history alongside two other countries. Both courses are examined in the same way, with two exam papers and an extended essay of your choice.

Whichever of the two courses you choose, you will learn about social and economic change, and the impact this has on both rulers and those they rule. You will examine battles to extend human rights and the protection of the law to all. You will speculate about the motivations of long-dead leaders and analyse evidence to reach your own substantiated conclusions. 

 What skills will I develop?

All the things that universities and employers want! You will learn to think deeply, gather information and express yourself. You will develop the skills to explore historical evidence and use it to advance complex arguments. You’ll grow in confidence to express yourself, both verbally and on paper. You’ll learn to look at things from several different points of view and weigh up the evidence to reach your own conclusion.

You’ll be guided to learn independently, starting with structured note-making tasks using textbooks, documentaries and other sources. As the course goes on, you’ll become more independent, choosing information of your own and carrying out your own research. 

 What topics will I study?

Choose EITHER Course A OR Course B.  

Course A: Changing America and Europe 

Component 1 – Examination: 

Breadth Study Paper 1K The Making of a Superpower, USA 1865-1975
(2 hours, 30 minutes – 40%)

This exciting period in US history begins attempts at Reconstruction following a bloody and destructive Civil War. Late 19th century America is a country of rapid change and economic development, with large-scale European immigration transforming cities like New York and railroads opening up the West to create the highest standard of living anywhere in the world by WW1.  You will trace the development of this superpower right through the Jazz age of the 1920s, the depression of the 1930s, the economic miracle of the 1950s, the social strife in the 1960s and the scandal and confusion of the Watergate era.  

Component 2 – Examination:

Depth Study Paper 2E The English Revolution, 1625-1660
(2 hours, 30 minutes – 40%)  

When and why did the people of England overthrow the English monarchy and replace it with a republican system of government? Why didn’t it last and what was its legacy? This part of the course deals with the most misunderstood part of English history: the reign of Charles I, the civil wars of the 1640s and the attempt to create a political settlement without a monarch. You will examine the religious and political arguments of the time and attempt to understand the minds and motives of the people of the 17th Century.

Component 3 – Non-Exam Assessment:

Historical Investigation focused on the transformation of Russia, 1855-1964 (4,500 words – 20%)  

 
Course B: Revolution in Europe and China 

Component 1 – Examination: 

Breadth Study Paper 1D Stuart Britain and the Crisis of monarchy, 1603-1702
(2 hours, 30 minutes – 40%) 

This part of the course begins with the legacy of Elizabeth I and then examines how far James I and Charles I are able to administer that religious and political settlement they inherit. It then deals with the most misunderstood part of English history: the reign of Charles I, the civil wars of the 1640s and the attempt to create a political settlement without a monarch. Finally, it examines the long-term consequences of the Civil War once the monarchy was restored. You will examine the religious and political arguments of the time and attempt to understand the minds and motives of the people of the 17th Century. 

Component 2 – Examination: 

Depth Study Paper 2P The Transformation of China, 1936-1997
(2 hours, 30 minutes – 40%)  

This depth study begins with China in chaos and turmoil. Its central government was struggling to maintain any effective control over the country and it was under the threat of Japanese invasion. It follows the various factions’ attempts to deal with the invasion and its impact on the Chinese people. You will then study the bitter Civil War which followed and the reasons for the victory of the Chinese Communist Party. You will examine the reasons the CCP was so effective in unifying China and consolidating its position, with particular emphasis on the role of Mao. The course ends with an examination of China after Mao, as the country began the process of economic reform which led to its status as an economic superpower by the early 21^st Century. 

Component 3 – Non-Exam Assessment:  

Historical Investigation focused on the transformation of Russia, 1855-1964
(4,500 words – 20%) 

 Where does the course lead?

Students can progress from this qualification to a wide variety of university courses, including history, politics, law, economics, sociology, philosophy, social policy, international studies and accountancy. The course develops analytical skills which are an ideal preparation for many careers, including those in TV, radio, journalism, the civil service, local government, management, finance, accountancy, the police, librarianship, marketing, law, social work, and teaching.