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Modern History

What is A-Level Modern World History?

History is not the learning of facts; it’s rather the training of the mind to think.

Modern World History A-Level is not about the past; it is about the arguments we have about the past. It encourages students to inquire & create. To know how to formulate analytical responses, to challenge & to question, to shape the question & develop the ability to pursue the line of inquiry. This will develop the skills of knowing where to look, how to look, how to question, how to challenge, how to proceed independently, to deal with the challenges the modern technological world presents & the development of self-education whilst working in cooperation alongside others.

What Will You Study in A-Level Modern History?

Year 12

Unit 2 French Revolution and the rule of Napoleon 1774-1815

The causes of the French Revolution form 1774 and the events of 1789
The Revolution from October 1789 to the Directory 1795
Napoleon Bonaparte to 1807
The decline and fall of Napoleon 1807-1815

Unit 1 Britain 1930-1997

Churchill’s view of events 1929-1940
Churchill as a wartime Prime Minister
Churchill and international diplomacy 1939-1951
Conservative domination 1951 – 1964
Labour and Conservative governments 1964-1979
Thatcher and the end of consensus 1979-1997
Britain’s position in the world 1951-1997

Year 13

Unit 3 Civil Rights in the USA 1865-1992

Depth Study
- Civil Rights in the ‘Gilded Age’ c.1875-c.1895
- The New Deal and Civil Rights
- Malcolm X and Black Power
Thematic Study
- African Americans
- Trade Unions and Labour Rights
- Native American Indians
- Women

Unit 4 – NEA (Coursework)

Suez Crisis 1956

What Next after Completing A-Level Modern World History?

The Russell Group Universities regard History A-Level as the humanities subject of choice that allows entry to the most prestigious courses at the undergraduate level. It is seen as a traditional academic subject providing evidence of a student’s ability to independently produce detailed written arguments, reaching valid judgements based on a strong analysis of substantiating evidence. As a result, our students have utilised their acquired skills as a pathway into a wide range of highly competitive employment arenas such as; law; politics; public administration; education; media; business administration; marketing; heritage; archaeology & Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).

What is the Exam Board for A-Level Modern World History?

OCR

How will I be assessed?

Unit	Title	% of the mark	Length assessment
Unit 1	Britain 1930 - 1997	25%	1 hour 30 mins
Unit 2	French Revolution and the rule of Napoleon 1774-1815	15%	1 hour
Unit 3	Civil Rights in the USA 1865-1992	40%	2 hour 30 mins
Unit 4	NEA - Coursework	20%	4,000 word essay

However, there will also be internal College Assessment Point (CAP) exam-style assessments through which we can assess your progress as the course goes along. In Year 12, CAP1 is in the autumn term, CAP2 is in the spring term and CAP3 in the summer term. In Year 13, CAP4 will be in the autumn term and CAP5 in the spring term.

What are the Entry Requirements for A-Level Modern World History?

At least five 5s at GCSE, including at least a 6 in History (if studied) and a 6 in English Language or English Literature.

Have you considered studying a Mixed Programme (A-Levels and BTECs)? Whether you’re on target to achieve five 5s in your GCSEs or not, there may still be an option to study A-Levels alongside a BTEC qualification at Newman.

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