History (Revolution & Reform) A-level

This pathway examines the violent upheavals of Britain in the 17th C, in comparison to the years of Communist Revolution in Russia.  These two events overlap, as arguably the 17th C was the only period in which Britain experienced a “revolution” in government, though it wasn’t to last.  Our students enjoy exploring a world that has striking similarities to our own, but is different enough to seem a different place, focusing on not only the shifts in politics and religion, but the changes in society, and the beginnings of the British Empire.  Students also gain a vast deal from studying the rise of communism in Russia: a period everyone has heard of, but not many know much about despite the overwhelming impact of the USSR in world politics up to the 21st C.

For paper 1 you will study Britain 1625-1701: Conflict, Revolution and Settlement.  This paper is a study in breadth of monarchical and republican rule in England during the period of Stuart rule between 1625 and 1688.  You will also study different interpretations considering the nature and effects of the Glorious Revolution of 1688–69, which removed James II from the throne.

For paper 2 you will complete a depth study of the causes, course and consolidation of the Russian Revolution of 1917, which had a momentous effect on twentieth-century Russia and throughout the modern world.  This paper has a source focus, requiring you to examine the ways historians use contemporary sources as part of historical enquiries.

Finally, paper 3 requires you to examine the topic of Protest, Agitation and Parliamentary Reform between 1780-1928.  We will analyse and explore the relationship between authority and mass agitation in England, the struggle for greater representation in England, and the ways in which the interests and concerns of individuals in society could make themselves known. This paper also has a source element, asking you to evaluate the utility of a contemporary source to answer two linked enquiries.

Additionally, there is a non-examined assessment, or coursework, the purpose of which is to enable history students to develop skills in the analysis and evaluation of interpretations of history in a chosen question, problem or issue as part of an independently researched assignment.  Students will be required to form a critical view of an area of historical debate based on relevant reading on the question, problem or issue. Students at Cirencester have the freedom to complete a centre set assignment, based on one of their three examined papers, or they may choose their own topic to research.  This offers those students the chance to go beyond the exam specification and really explore a period of history that is interesting to them.  Those who choose a centre-set question will also benefit, as their study will take them deeper into and beyond what the exam requires, and they often emerge more confident and with a better understanding of the exam topics.

We have had students undertaking work placements in History departments within local schools.  This has proven to be invaluable for those wishing to enter the teaching profession.

We run a History Society as part of the College's Enrichment programme.  This is run by our students, who take turns to present a short lecture on a period or event of history that interests them. Our lecturers also take part, allowing us to reveal what led us to a study of History.

Essay writing is one of the very valuable skills we teach you at A-Level History. There are fewer different question types at A-Level than at GCSE. We will teach you techniques for writing essays which develop the skills you already have. You won’t have to do one every week.

Yes it will. The specification has been designed by exam boards in close consultation with universities. It is therefore a highly-regarded qualification which universities particularly value on UCAS applications. History is named as a ‘facilitating’ subject by the Russell Group of universities, meaning that it is a subject that universities particularly look for on applications for a wide range of different courses (not just History courses). A good grade in History at A-Level will make you stand out as a strong candidate when applying for university, whatever subject you choose to study.

History is an interesting and worthwhile subject which broadens your understanding of the contemporary world and your analytical skills. By the time you complete your A-Level in History you will be able to write, argue, persuade, debate, process information, weigh up evidence, reach and present conclusions. These skills are highly prized by employers in a very wide range of fields, including business, management, journalism and the media, law, politics and the civil service, economics, finance and accounting, the arts, tourism and heritage.