Exam Board: AQA
In History you will cover four exciting and varied topics:
The Rise and Fall of Hitler’s Nazi Germany: From the defeat of WWI, to the political and economic chaos of the 1920’s (including the Wall Street Crash) you will uncover how Hitler was able to take advantage of the chaos and become the democratically appointed leader of Germany. You will study the horrors of the Holocaust, the role of the Gestapo (Secret Police) and the use of propaganda. Hitler’s grip on Germany looked secure as he used a range of policies such as the Hitler Youth to brainwash the people, yet WWII changed everything…
The Cold War: A time when the world came to the brink of nuclear war, a time when wars were fought across the world in places such as Korea and Vietnam, a time in which rivalry led to a man walking on the moon. The Cold War is the fascinating study of military, political and economic rivalry in which the USA and the Soviet Union struggled for power. A truly global study that will take you from the Cuban Missile Crisis, to the divided city of Berlin, to the rise of Mao Zedong in China.
The Norman Conquest: 1066 a most chaotic and bloody year, that is perhaps the most significant in the history of Britain. Ending in the epic Battle of Hastings, you will uncover how William of Normandy takes over England. You will discover and analyse his methods of control from mass terror and castle building to using the power of the church.
Migration and Empire through time: You will learn how the vicious Vikings terrorised the shores of England, how great battles were fought against the French and how Britain both took over and lost America! You will then study how the British Empire expands into India and Africa, leading to huge periods of change. You will study the crumbling of the British Empire through the Suez Canal Crisis and independence movements, for example Gandhi in India. Finally, you will have the opportunity to explore the impact of events such as the Falklands War and WWII, including the Windrush generation.
100% examination—two exams each worth 50% of overall grade.
Paper 1: Understanding the Modern World (Germany and the Cold War)
Paper 2: Shaping the nation (Normans and Migration)
Question types include short answers, knowledge-based answers and source questions.
Where can it lead?
Possible career paths include: advertising executive, journalist, analyst, archaeologist, broadcaster, business professional, explorer, diplomat, campaign worker, consultant, editor, foreign service officer, accountant, political advisor, lawyer, archivist, lecturer, legal assistant and more (even a teacher!).
You will develop a range of transferable skills including research, problem solving, analysis, creativity, perspective, communication, debate, and literacy. History is a great option to allow you to make better sense of the world we live in, become responsible citizens and be highly capable of filtering out fake news! Also, History has been voted one of the top transferable subjects by Oxbridge universities – it is GREAT to have on your record!
Find out where studies in History can take you on Unifrog: