History

Course summary

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 through the following key questions: • How effectively did the Tudors restore and develop the powers of the monarchy? • In what ways and how effectively was England governed during this period? • How did relations with foreign powers change and how was the succession secured? • How did English society and economy change and with what effects? • How far did intellectual and religious ideas change and develop and with what effects? • How important was the role of key individuals and groups and how were they affected by developments? Component 2: Depth Study - The Cold War c.1945 - 1991 This option provides for the study in depth of the evolving course of international relations during an era of tension between communist and capitalist powers which threatened nuclear Armageddon. It explores concepts such as communism and anti-communism, aggression and détente and also encourages students to reflect on the power of modern military technology, what hastens confrontation and what forces promote peace in the modern world. Key points include the post-war agreements, the Berlin Wall, the Cuban Missile Crisis etc.\ Students’ knowledge and understanding will be tested through essay-writing and source questions. Component 3: Non-Exam Assessment Students identify an issue they wish to study about France in the years c.1814 to 1914, then develop a question which will be the focus of the assessment. In addition to producing a detailed answer to their question, the NEA tests their ability to use sources and to understand the influences that affect historians writing about that period.