“I thoroughly enjoy the welcoming and enthusiastic atmosphere and positive ethos that is encouraged by both staff and students at the College. I previously attended a Grammar School and as a new pupil here I am grateful to have experienced the support and guidance from my subject staff and tutors who have helped me to settle in with ease and make my time enjoyable.”
Katrina Voulgari

History

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Entry Requirements

Usual BSFC entry requirements for an advanced programme of study and at least a grade C in English Language GCSE is required. You need not have studied the subject before, but if you have taken GCSE History, a Grade C is desirable.

About the Subject

History deals with the recorded human past; everything that we know about what people have done, how they have lived their lives, and the causes and effects of social, political, cultural and economic events and developments. By studying the past you enrich the quality of your life by better understanding why the world is as it is, and gain a greater appreciation of your place in it. The study of history also helps you to acquire the skills that employers value. The transferable skills that you will learn in a history degree include:

  • How to read critically and think independently
  • How to evaluate evidence
  • How to analyse complex situations
  • How to construct a logical, well-supported argument
  • How to communicate effectively in writing and in oral presentations
  • How to organise and manage your time to complete assignments
  • How to work independently and as part of a group

AS Year

Assessment
Unit		 Name of Unit Type of
Assessment		 Date of
Exam		 AS
Weighting		 A2
Weighting
HIS1F France in
Revolution		 1.25 hour written
exam		 June 50% 25%
HIS2R A Sixties Social
Revolution?
British Society
1959-1975’		 1.5 hour written
exam		 June 50% 25%

A2 Year

Assessment
Unit		 Name of Unit Type of
Assessment		 Date of
Exam		 A2
Weighting
HIS3A The Angevin Kings of England:
British Monarchy 1154 - 1216		 1½ hour written
Exam		 June 30%
HIS4X Historical Enquiry
Russian
Revolution		 Course Essay Completed by April 20%

General Information

AS
This is an exciting and dynamic course, made up of two units, one British and one European. Students explore the concept of revolution in two different contexts: ‘France in Revolution, 1774-1815’ (Unit 1) and ‘A Sixties Social Revolution? British Society 1959-1975’ (Unit 2).

AS Unit 1
This unit provides an overview of the internal development of the French Revolution and its impact on major European states. As well as embracing political ideas and developments, the social, cultural and economic dimensions of the period will be addressed and students will assess the importance of key individuals such as Louis XVI, Robespierre and Napoleon.

This examination of the impact of the French Revolution on leaders, peoples, states, institutions and policies will generate opportunities for debate about the causes and results of revolutionary activity.

AS Unit 2
 This unit provides an opportunity to investigate the nature and the extent to which there was social and cultural change in Britain during the 1960s. The popular, media view of the age is that of the ‘Swinging Sixties’, the era of rock n’ roll, Beatlemania, youth rebellion, psychedelia and mods and rockers. But how far is this an accurate portrayal of 1960s’ society? An examination of the 1960s will focus on the extent to which British values were transformed and will include a study of new trends in popular culture. This course is closely linked to Media Studies, Film Studies, Sociology, Politics, Music and English.

A2
This is an equally exciting and dynamic course, made up of two units, one British and one European.  Students will continue to explore the concept of revolution, change and continuity in two different contexts: The Angevin Kings of England: British Monarchy, 1154-1216 (Unit 3) and the Russian Revolution (Unit 4).

A2 Unit 3
This unit promotes an understanding of change and continuity over the period of the reigns of King Henry II and his sons, Kings Richard and John. There is focus on the relationships between Crown, Church and barons, and the Angevin rulers’ attempts to maintain and extend royal authority. The role of individual kings and of others such as Thomas Becket, Hubert Walter and William Marshal provide an opportunity to consider the causes and course of conflict and co-operation, and also the challenges posed to royal authority, for example, over the Church in the light of its increasing independence and the growing power of the papacy. Additionally, as a result of the study of the period as a whole, candidates will be able to demonstrate how issues, ideas and other factors change during the period, for example, the nature of kingship or feudalism, or social attitudes towards women and the Jewish minority in Angevin England.

A2 Unit 4
For this module, students are required to produced a course essay based on a historical investigation on the theme of the Russian Revolution, evaluating a range of sources and incorporating historiography. The topic will be placed in the context of 100 years of Russian history.

What Next?

History opens the door to a wide range of degrees and careers. For some careers, particularly Law and Journalism, History is a very helpful subject. It provides a background to our cultural tradition and a surer appreciation of the present.
It is an interesting and rewarding subject to study.