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• Awards Evening 2010
• Results Headlines 2010

AS / A2 HISTORY

Exam Board: AQA

History is a fascinating and popular subject at Paston. It isn’t a subject that’s stuck in the past, far from it! Historical events are what have shaped society worldwide into what it is today. History is constantly changing as each generation reassesses the past in light
of the evidence available. So you can form your own view of the past, as long as you can argue your case from the evidence.

The AS/A course at Paston focuses on the 19th and 20th centuries: significant people and events, social, cultural and ethnic issues, and how what happened in the past explains why people act as they do today. Change, and how societies deal with this, is the central theme of the course.

At Paston we bring History to life through a diverse range of interactive teaching methods which help you develop your own but reasoned outlook on the past. You will have opportunities to go on extremely popular trips. In the last two years we have visited China and Russia, and plan to go to Germany and Poland in 2010. We also run a political film club which gives you the chance to watch and debate controversial films and documentaries. History gives you knowledge and skills which prepare you for university and careers as varied as Journalism, Politics, Law, Teaching and Management.

You can study History with English, Law, Sociology and Geography, but it is useful for almost all subjects as it develops analytic and communication skills.

“I have really enjoyed History this year and I have found the course incredibly interesting and the trip to China was an enlightening experience.” Grace Porteous who is continuing her studies in History into A2.

AS History

In the AS course we study:

• The Development of Germany, 1871–1925: Change and Consolidation – “new” ideologies such as nationalism and socialism; the birth of the Germany state; Bismarck and Kaiser Wilhelm II; social, economic and political change; the impact of World War I; the legacy of this period on future German History.

• The Impact of Chairman Mao: China, 1946–1976: Historical Issues: Periods of Change – Civil War in China; establishment of the Chinese people’s Republic; impact of social and economic changes under Chairman Mao; the Cultural Revolution; evaluation of Mao and change.

Assessment

Two examinations – one essay and one source-based examination.

Entry requirements

A minimum of BBCCC at GCSE including English Language and at least one of Maths or Science. A C in History is an advantage.

A2 History

At A2 you apply the skills learned at AS, looking at historical debates and researching your own project.

• The Making of Modern Britain, 1951–2007: The State and the People: Change and Continuity.

• Change and continuity over 50 years; Britain’s new role in the world after World War II, social and cultural change 1960–2000; from Imperial power to multicultural community; Britain – the ‘black sheep’ of Europe; political change – welfare state to ‘Thatcherism’.

• Russia and the USSR 1881–1991: Progress or Stagnation – The Personal Study. This is your opportunity to do a piece of detailed research drawing on the ideas of historians and using a range of primary and secondary sources.

Assessment

One essay based examination and your personal study.

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