Examination Board: AQA
Advanced Level History gives students the chance to acquire a deep understanding and appreciation of certain important periods in the past, through the study of the social, political and economic factors that were prevalent at the time. Through this, they may discover certain patterns or truths emerging that may shed fresh light on today's society.
All students are expected to enjoy acquiring knowledge through reading and to seek out material beyond the textbooks such as biographies, essays or magazine articles. The lessons may take the form of a lecture or a group seminar or plenary where learning takes place through discussion and argument; students will also get the chance to present research assignments verbally to the rest of the class.
We run a History club in conjunction with Monmouth School called the Agincourt Society which meets once every half-term, giving students the chance to experience talks given by prominent university lecturers or authors and to engage in team debates on controversial historical topics. We also have a yearly meal where students and teachers dress in a historically themed costume.
Combinations
English, Geography and Economics have the most numerous links with History, but there are also connections to be found in subjects such as Sociology and Classics. However, most other subjects should work well with History and your choice will obviously depend upon your particular interests and career plans. Many medics and scientists study history at AS Level which helps give balance to their UCAS applications, and is often recognized in feedback given by admissions officers.
Course information
Year 12
France in Revolution, 1774-1815 (code: HIS1F)
Taught by Mrs MacDonald
This unit provides an overview of the internal development of the French Revolution and its impact on major European states. The political, social and economic impact of the revolution and of the ensuing period of Napoleonic rule are the main issues. The Revolution cannot be ignored due to its politcal significance in the century that followed or the array of key individuals who altered history.
Anti-Semitism, Hitler and the German People, 1919-1945 (code: HIS2N)
Taught by Mr Griffiths
The Holocaust is one of the most horrendous and well-known events of the twentieth century but the background to this Final Solution is little understood. This unit explores the motivations behind the genocide and tries to give students a greater understanding of anti-semitism in the first half of the Twentieth Century. Students undertake an in-depth investigation which will provide an intellectual historical understanding while never forgetting the events themselves.
Year 13
The Making of Modern Britain, 1951–2007 (Code: HIS3M) 30% A2 Level
Taught by Mr Griffiths
This unit promotes an understanding of change and continuity over approximately 50 years of British history, during which Britain enjoyed a period of post-war affluence and boom, followed by an era of reaction. Through the study of key events and personalities students will learn who we are, why we are and where we are. The unit covers the economic, political and social development of Britain from the days of rationing and mass immigration to the verge of the Credit Crunch and the effects of the War on Terror.
History Enquiry (Code: HIS4X) 20% A2 Level
Taught by Mrs Griffiths
All candidates must undertake a piece of coursework of c.3500 words in length. This constitutes 20% of their overall A- level mark. It is internally marked and externally moderated.
‘The Rise and Fall of Slavery – c. 1619 – 1865’ Candidates will study Slavery in America over the period of 200 years, until its abolition in 1865. The introductory course will look at the development of slavery and the North South divide, work and life on the plantations and the culture created in the slave communities. Areas of debate will focus on the extent of slave resistance, the existence of a slave culture and the conflicting image of a slaveholder. There will be a great emphasis on the study of primary sources and an understanding of the historiography of the subject.
