Key Stage 5 History
“History is live people studying dead people.” (Winston Churchill)
“History is bunk.” (Henry Ford)
So why should you consider studying dead people’s bunk? Because History is about people who have contributed to the political, moral, geographical and cultural development of our world and shaped its present ideas and ideals. For example, the unification of Germany, the Irish Conflict and the European borders – all have their origins in the 16th Century.
There is much to study that has lessons to teach us today: concepts of nationalism, toleration, public welfare, diplomacy, militarism – hence much that affords the interested student the chance to air opinions. It is the story of the motivation of people, through greed, fear, lust and ambition – the same motives that shape the destiny of our world today. Or would you disagree? If so, you are just the person we are looking for!
Entry requirements
At least grade B in History and English at GCSE is preferred. Students with grade C in History or with no GCSE History experience might be accepted, on condition that their progress is reviewed after the first term.
Teaching style
The emphasis is in student-centred work and the acquisition of the skills of observation, analysis, research and enquiry, as well as the practical skills of note-taking, source evaluation and essay work. Candidates will have the opportunity to attend a study skills clinic at York University.
Career prospects
The subject is widely esteemed as an excellent complement for all Humanities, Languages, Law and Social Studies courses.
Course content
We follow the OCR specifications. AS is taken at the end of Year 12, A2 at the end of Year 13.
AS Module 1: Document Study - The German Reformation 1517-1530
Assessment: 60 minutes. A 3-part structured question.
40% of AS, 20% of A2
AS Module 2: English History – 1547-1610
Assessment: 45 minutes. One question to answer from four
structured questions.
30% of AS, 15% of A2
AS Module 3: European and American History 1545-1610
Assessment: 45 minutes. One question to answer from four structured questions.
30% of AS, 15% of A2
A2 Module 4: Historical Investigation – Roosevelt’s America 1920-1941
Assessment: 90 minutes. One structured question and one
essay question.
15% of A2
A2 Module 5: Themes in History – Ireland 1798-1921
Assessment: 90 minutes. Two essay questions.
20% of A2
A2 Module 6: Individual Investigation
Assessment:
EITHER: Coursework
One extended essay (2500) words based on a list of questions set by the board
or proposed by the candidate. Marked by OCR.
15% of A2
OR: Examination
90 minutes. One extended essay based on a pre-prepared list.
15% of A2