History

AQA

History is not ‘stuck in the past’. Historical events have shaped what we are today and each generation interprets the past through its own eyes. In AS/A-level History you will develop your own view of the past, arguing your case from the evidence available to you. This is why History is a fascinating and popular subject at Paston.

The AS/A-level course focuses on 19th and 20th century History: a time of major figures – Mao, Hitler, Stalin, Kennedy, Churchill, Thatcher, and major economic, social and cultural change. You will explore why change occurred and how societies experience change and its aftermath.

We will bring History to life through a wide range of interactive teaching methods which will help you develop a good understanding of the topics covered. You will also have opportunities to visit some of the key places which feature in your course.

In the past three years Paston students have been on trips to China, Russia, Germany and Poland. The study of History does not only give you an understanding of events, it also develops the important skills of analysis, argument and communication. It is an excellent preparation for university and careers as varied as journalism, politics, law, teaching and management. You can study History with Economics, Government & Politics, Law, Philosophy, English, Geography, or a language, but it can be studied beneficially alongside almost all subjects.

AS History

In the AS course we study:
• The Development of Germany 1871- 1925: ‘new’ ideologies such as nationalism and socialism; figures like Bismarck and Kaiser Wilhelm II; social, economic and political change; the impact of World War I; and the legacy of this period for the future of Germany.
• The Impact of Chairman Mao – China 1946–1976: the Civil War between the nationalists and communists, the creation of the Chinese People’s Republic; social and economic change under Mao and the Cultural Revolution. You will then be able to evaluate the importance and achievement of Mao.

Assessment

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

Entry requirements

A minimum of BBCCC at GCSE, including English/English Language and Mathematics or a science.

A2 History

At A2 course you apply the skills learned at AS, looking at historical debates and researching your own project. You will explore:
• The Making of Modern Britain 1951– 2007 – a fascinating half century of change and continuity from Winston Churchill to Tony Blair. Britain’s new role in the world after World War II, social and cultural change 1960– 2000; Britain’s transition from imperial power to multicultural community; the Welfare State; Thatcherism and Britain’s relationship with Europe as the ‘black sheep’ of the European Union.
• Russia and the USSR 1881–1991: a period of progress or stagnation? You will make up your own mind as you study a century of change from Imperial Russia, through the Bolshevik Revolution and the rise of USSR as a ‘super power’ to the dismemberment of the Soviet Union. 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 to write a personal study.

Assessment

One essay based examination and coursework (your personal study).