What will I study? Component 1 (breadth study): The Tudors, England, 1485-1603. This option allows students to study in breadth issues of change, continuity, cause and consequence in this period. The consolidation of the Tudor Dynasty: England, 1485-1547.  Henry VII, 1485-1509.  Henry VIII, 1509-1547. England: Turmoil and Triumph, 1547-1603.  Instability and consolidation: ‘The Mid-Tudor Crisis’, 1457-1563.  The triumph of Elizabeth, 1563-1603. Component 2 (depth study): Democracy and Nazism: Germany, 1918-1945. This option provides for the study in depth of a period of German history during which a newly developed democratic form of government gave way to a dictatorial Nazi regime. It explores political concepts such as ‘right’ and ‘left’, nationalism and liberalism as well as ideological concepts such as radicalism, anti-Semitism and Social Darwinism. It also encourages reflection on how governments work and the problems of democratic states as well as consideration of what creates and sustains a dictatorship. The Weimar Republic, 1918-1933.  The establishment and early years of the Weimar Republic, 1918-1924.  The ‘Golden Age’ of the Weimar Republic, 1924-1929.  The collapse of Democracy, 1929-1933. Nazi Germany, 1933-1945.  The Nazi Dictatorship, 1933-1939.  The Racial State, 1933-1941.  The impact of war, 1939-1945. Component 3 (historical investigation): The Age of the Crusades, c1071-1204. The purpose of the Historical investigation is to enable students to develop the skills, knowledge and historical understanding acquired through the study of the examined components of the specification. Through undertaking the historical investigation students will develop an enhanced understanding of the nature and purpose of History as a discipline and how historians work. What skills will I develop? Our aim is to help you grow into truly independent learners with the following skills: • The ability to formulate an argument through wide reading, writing and debate. • The ability to think why events have happened in history and also to develop critical thinking skills and problem solving skills. • The opportunity to become an independent learner through a variety of methods of learning. • The opportunity to make independent judgements on events, individuals and the outcomes of governments decisions. • The ability to learn how to read beyond A Level textbooks in preparation for undergraduate studies. • The ability to evaluate primary and secondary source material. • The ability to learn how to write under pressure in preparation for exams. How will this subject help me with my future career? An A Level qualification in History is a consistently respected achievement by the top academic institutions and also by employers. History is still one of the most popular subjects at undergraduate level and many people who live in the public eye, in both media and politics have degrees in History. A good grade in History A Level indicates to a university or future employer that you are well read, have the ability to write succinctly and convincingly, that you are able to construct and sustain an argument and that you have well-honed research skills. The sills you will develop can be applied to any academic degree. History is a useful subject for careers in (amongst many others) the following disciplines:  Law requires you to debate, write essays and arguments to the highest standards possible, see both sides of the debate, read widely and make a judgement; all skills that History provides you with.  Journalism - Journalists often have studied History at A Level and degree level as it develops their ability to write with fluency, style and confidence to a very high standard. As A Level History requires students to read broadly, and beyond the prescribed textbook, the research skills gained are ones that journalists employ on a daily basis.