WHY SHOULD I STUDY A LEVEL HISTORY (MODERN)? This is a course that gives both an insight into the past and develops deductive reasoning, and analytical and extended prose composition skills. The department offers three options for History - you might consider studying Medieval & Warfare History or Early Modern History as an alternative to this option. All are assessed in exactly the same way, the only difference being the subject matter. History is a subject that can be helpful to any student and can usefully be studied in combination with any arts subject. Students often study History alongside English, Classical Civilisation, and/or Politics. The subject can also give greater breadth to the academic portfolio of students studying predominately science subjects COURSE CONTENT The Modern course allows you to understand how our modern world today has been formed and shaped by people and events that still resonate today. Beginning on the cusp of the Modern world we move forwards and end up in the late 20th Century having explored British and European History which allows you to see how the Europe of today has changed and remained the same! FIRST YEAR: Unit 1: The Early Stuarts and the Origins of the Civil War 1603–1660 This is a study of how one Royal dynasty ruled Great Britain in the 17th Century. James I was the first king of Great Britain and events like the Gunpowder Plot are still celebrated today which have a legacy from this king. We then move onto his son Charles I who was the only English king to be publicly beheaded before England became a Republic, for the first and only time. The final part examines what kind of legacy Oliver Cromwell had, the only commoner to have ruled our country. If you want to understand how our country is ruled today then this will be a fascinating insight into the origins of today’s Great Britain. Unit 2: Democracy and Dictatorships in Germany 1919–1963 Germany today is one of the most modern and successful countries in Europe but this was not always the case in the past. It is a country that has witnessed the most dramatic change in such a short period of time. Starting with the end of World War One, we chart the fortunes of the new Weimar Government before examining how it descended into the darkness of Hitler’s Third Reich. The Second World Wars affected all of Europe but Germany saw itself divided by 1949 where two very different regimes developed; West and East Germany. What was it like to live in the East compared to the West? You will also have the opportunity to visit Berlin as part of a residential trip to see how the city still bears the signs of their past. SECOND YEAR: Unit 3: Russia and its Rulers 1855–1964 Russia, the largest country by landmass and one that has witnessed the most dramatic change in the 20th Century. We begin by looking at how the last three Tsars of the Romanov dynasty ruled this great country only for the First War to see their demise with the rise of Lenin and the overthrow of their regime. We then follow how the first three Communist rulers - Lenin, Stalin and Khrushchev ruled. Was life better under the Tsars or Communists? How did war have an impact on Russia? Who was more repressive; Lenin or Stalin? If these questions interest you then you will enjoy this unit. NEA (COURSEWORK): You will also be choosing from a list of coursework essay titles to research and write up. Topics offered may include Nazi Germany which was studied as part of Unit Two and the origins of the English Civil War.
At least 5 GCSE subjects at grade 4 - 9. Grade 5 In one of either GCSE English Language, English Literature, Religious Studies or Sociology AND Grade 5 GCSE History (if taken) OR if GCSE History has not been taken Grade 5 In a second GCSE subject from the list above
About Education Provider
Region | East of England |
Local Authority | Essex |
Ofsted Rating | Good |
Gender Type | Co-Educational |
Address | North Hill, Colchester, CO1 1SN |
WHY SHOULD I STUDY A LEVEL HISTORY (MODERN)? This is a course that gives both an insight into the past and develops deductive reasoning, and analytical and extended prose composition skills. The department offers three options for History - you might consider studying Medieval & Warfare History or Early Modern History as an alternative to this option. All are assessed in exactly the same way, the only difference being the subject matter. History is a subject that can be helpful to any student and can usefully be studied in combination with any arts subject. Students often study History alongside English, Classical Civilisation, and/or Politics. The subject can also give greater breadth to the academic portfolio of students studying predominately science subjects COURSE CONTENT The Modern course allows you to understand how our modern world today has been formed and shaped by people and events that still resonate today. Beginning on the cusp of the Modern world we move forwards and end up in the late 20th Century having explored British and European History which allows you to see how the Europe of today has changed and remained the same! FIRST YEAR: Unit 1: The Early Stuarts and the Origins of the Civil War 1603–1660 This is a study of how one Royal dynasty ruled Great Britain in the 17th Century. James I was the first king of Great Britain and events like the Gunpowder Plot are still celebrated today which have a legacy from this king. We then move onto his son Charles I who was the only English king to be publicly beheaded before England became a Republic, for the first and only time. The final part examines what kind of legacy Oliver Cromwell had, the only commoner to have ruled our country. If you want to understand how our country is ruled today then this will be a fascinating insight into the origins of today’s Great Britain. Unit 2: Democracy and Dictatorships in Germany 1919–1963 Germany today is one of the most modern and successful countries in Europe but this was not always the case in the past. It is a country that has witnessed the most dramatic change in such a short period of time. Starting with the end of World War One, we chart the fortunes of the new Weimar Government before examining how it descended into the darkness of Hitler’s Third Reich. The Second World Wars affected all of Europe but Germany saw itself divided by 1949 where two very different regimes developed; West and East Germany. What was it like to live in the East compared to the West? You will also have the opportunity to visit Berlin as part of a residential trip to see how the city still bears the signs of their past. SECOND YEAR: Unit 3: Russia and its Rulers 1855–1964 Russia, the largest country by landmass and one that has witnessed the most dramatic change in the 20th Century. We begin by looking at how the last three Tsars of the Romanov dynasty ruled this great country only for the First War to see their demise with the rise of Lenin and the overthrow of their regime. We then follow how the first three Communist rulers - Lenin, Stalin and Khrushchev ruled. Was life better under the Tsars or Communists? How did war have an impact on Russia? Who was more repressive; Lenin or Stalin? If these questions interest you then you will enjoy this unit. NEA (COURSEWORK): You will also be choosing from a list of coursework essay titles to research and write up. Topics offered may include Nazi Germany which was studied as part of Unit Two and the origins of the English Civil War.
At least 5 GCSE subjects at grade 4 - 9. Grade 5 In one of either GCSE English Language, English Literature, Religious Studies or Sociology AND Grade 5 GCSE History (if taken) OR if GCSE History has not been taken Grade 5 In a second GCSE subject from the list above