History A-Level (AQA) History combines the excitement of exploration with the sense of reward earned by successfully confronting and making sense of complex and challenging problems. It is about human behaviour and real people dealing with real situations. Whether we study the actions and impact of Fidel Castro or Queen Elizabeth I, we try to get to grips with what makes people tick. The History Department is made up of experienced teachers who enable their students to become successful learners that enjoy learning, make progress and achieve their potential. This can be seen in our results in 2022 where 56% of students achieved A*/A, and 81% secured at least a B. We are very proud of these results and believe they are proof that, if you work hard in History at Queen Mary's, you will succeed. In 2022, seven of our students have gone on to study History and/or Politics at a range of prestigious universities such as the University of Bristol, the University of York and the University College London. We were extremely gratified to see so many wonderfully talented students build on their time with us in Higher Education. It is a testament to the work we do as a department, preparing them for the challenges of A-Level and nurturing their love of History. History at Queen Mary’s High School is more than the examined course. Our students enjoy varied opportunities to develop their enthusiasm for, and understanding of, their studies. These include interesting lectures by eminent historians, national debating competitions and extra-curricular trips to historical sites such as Hampton Court and/or Hardwick Hall. Beyond this, our A-Level students have the opportunity to represent the school as part of the Lessons from Auschwitz programme, developing their knowledge and understanding of the Holocaust. Course Overview • Paper 1 - The Tudors – England 1485-1603 takes you from Henry VII’s epic seizure of power, through the six wives of Henry VIII to the reigns of Edward, ‘Bloody Mary’, and Elizabeth I. It is a story which will take your breath away! • Paper 2: The Cold War 1945-1991 begins by tracing the origins of global tension following WWII and takes us to the brink of nuclear war. You will study the Cuban Missile Crisis, Vietnam, the Berlin Wall and so much more. If you want to understand the world we live in today, you need to look no further! • Independent Coursework - American Civil Rights. In Year 13 students will research, craft and submit a 3000-4000 word essay on the topic above. You will be supported by teachers in lessons and via individual tutorials. Assessment Model Students complete two examinations at the end of this two-year course, one for each component: • students will firstly be asked to understand and evaluate arguments in extracts taken from relevant primary sources or written by academic historians • secondly, students will be required to write two argumentative essays (from a choice of three questions) Career Opportunities Universities and employers agree that A-Level History is a highly regarded qualification which will open doors into a range of higher education and career choices. Students of History are able to ask and answer important questions, evaluate evidence, identify and analyse different interpretations of an issue, and substantiate their own arguments and judgements. Our future doctors, lawyers, politicians, accountants, managing directors and scientists need these skills. Above all, our students develop an open and inquisitive mind; they become critical thinkers.
About Education Provider
| Region | West Midlands |
| Local Authority | Walsall |
| Ofsted Rating | Outstanding |
| Gender Type | Girls |
| Address | Upper Forster Street, Walsall, WS4 2AE |
History A-Level (AQA) History combines the excitement of exploration with the sense of reward earned by successfully confronting and making sense of complex and challenging problems. It is about human behaviour and real people dealing with real situations. Whether we study the actions and impact of Fidel Castro or Queen Elizabeth I, we try to get to grips with what makes people tick. The History Department is made up of experienced teachers who enable their students to become successful learners that enjoy learning, make progress and achieve their potential. This can be seen in our results in 2022 where 56% of students achieved A*/A, and 81% secured at least a B. We are very proud of these results and believe they are proof that, if you work hard in History at Queen Mary's, you will succeed. In 2022, seven of our students have gone on to study History and/or Politics at a range of prestigious universities such as the University of Bristol, the University of York and the University College London. We were extremely gratified to see so many wonderfully talented students build on their time with us in Higher Education. It is a testament to the work we do as a department, preparing them for the challenges of A-Level and nurturing their love of History. History at Queen Mary’s High School is more than the examined course. Our students enjoy varied opportunities to develop their enthusiasm for, and understanding of, their studies. These include interesting lectures by eminent historians, national debating competitions and extra-curricular trips to historical sites such as Hampton Court and/or Hardwick Hall. Beyond this, our A-Level students have the opportunity to represent the school as part of the Lessons from Auschwitz programme, developing their knowledge and understanding of the Holocaust. Course Overview • Paper 1 - The Tudors – England 1485-1603 takes you from Henry VII’s epic seizure of power, through the six wives of Henry VIII to the reigns of Edward, ‘Bloody Mary’, and Elizabeth I. It is a story which will take your breath away! • Paper 2: The Cold War 1945-1991 begins by tracing the origins of global tension following WWII and takes us to the brink of nuclear war. You will study the Cuban Missile Crisis, Vietnam, the Berlin Wall and so much more. If you want to understand the world we live in today, you need to look no further! • Independent Coursework - American Civil Rights. In Year 13 students will research, craft and submit a 3000-4000 word essay on the topic above. You will be supported by teachers in lessons and via individual tutorials. Assessment Model Students complete two examinations at the end of this two-year course, one for each component: • students will firstly be asked to understand and evaluate arguments in extracts taken from relevant primary sources or written by academic historians • secondly, students will be required to write two argumentative essays (from a choice of three questions) Career Opportunities Universities and employers agree that A-Level History is a highly regarded qualification which will open doors into a range of higher education and career choices. Students of History are able to ask and answer important questions, evaluate evidence, identify and analyse different interpretations of an issue, and substantiate their own arguments and judgements. Our future doctors, lawyers, politicians, accountants, managing directors and scientists need these skills. Above all, our students develop an open and inquisitive mind; they become critical thinkers.
