History

Course summary

A Level History provides students with not only a range of intellectual skills but also an opportunity to look at other and earlier societies, their politics, social and economic structures, culture and ideologies. At LHS we study European History from 1450 – 1499 (Wars of the Roses) and from 1789 – 1871 (NEA), giving students a wide-ranging introduction to the complexities of Europe’s past. Moreover, we offer the study of US history from 1865 – 1975, allowing students to explore change and continuity from the Era of Reconstruction to the presidency of Nixon. The course comprises both breadth (USA 1865 - 1975) and depth (the Wars of the Roses 1450-1499) studies as well as a coursework element focusing on the years 1789 - 1871. The course focuses on the development of states and the different forms they can take, the role of individuals as well as ideas in the past and looks at the various ways power can be exercised. Teaching focuses not just on acquiring knowledge but also an understanding of the past; not just on developing the relevant exam skills but also on forming and expressing opinions in discussion.