History

Course summary

Year 12 You will study two units, each assessed by an exam in Year 13: Unit 1: Russia 1917-91: from Lenin to Yeltsin, Unit 2: Mao’s China 1949-76. The main skill tested in the exams for this course is extended writing. Each paper requires some form of essay. Unit 1 is a breadth study looking at historical interpretations. Unit 2 is a depth study. Students should have a good understanding of how to analyse historical events and should be able to express themselves well in developed historical arguments. Students should also be confident using source material. Year 13 This course is composed of one new examination unit and one coursework unit: Unit 3: Ireland and the Union and Unit 4: Coursework: Causes of the Russian revolution. The coursework represents 20% of the final grade. The purpose of this coursework is to enable students to develop skills in the analysis and evaluation of interpretations of history in a chosen question, problem or issue as part of an independently researched assignment. The coursework is an essay of approximately 3000 words. The A level course requires more developed answers, essay writing skills, the evaluation of interpretations, and the independent use of sources to construct the coursework assignment. At the end of Year 13 you will take three exams covering the work from Year 12 and Year 13.