History – Edexcel – AS 8HI01
History – Edexcel – A2 9HI01
Course Outline
The aim of History at A Level is to widen students' experience and develop qualities of perception
and judgement. History enables students to learn about the past; to understand the past and
through this process, come to a far better understanding of the present; History also offers
students the opportunity to acquire and improve on many of the key skills which have been
identified as a priority for higher education after consultation with employers.
Course Details
AS - History
Unit 1:
Historical Themes in Breadth
The Unification of Germany, 1848-90
Second Reich to Third Reich:
Germany, 1918-1945
Written paper of 1hour 20mins where students
will need to answer two extended writing
questions, one on each topic. Students will have a
choice of two questions for each topic.
(50% AS, 25% A2 Level)
Unit 2:
British History Depth Studies
The British Empire Challenged: Britain and
Ireland, 1867-1922
Written exam of 1 hour 20mins where students
will need to answer two questions based on
historical sources supplied with the paper.
(50% AS, 25% A2 Level)
A2 - History
Unit 3:
Associated Historical Controversies
A World Divided: Superpower Relations,
1944-90
Written exam of 2 hours where students will
complete two questions, one essay question on the
period studied, and one source based question.
(30% of total A Level)
Unit 4:
Historical Enquiry
Chosen theme over a period of 100 years.
Students will complete the assignment in two parts.
Part A is an enquiry into the short-term significance
of a key event or individual within the period of
study. In Part B they will set their chosen event or
individual in a broader context, exploring the process
of change within the wider time frame. The
assignment should consist of about 4000 words.
(20% of total A Level)
Assessment Criteria
The specification followed is the one offered by Edexcel. At AS Level the course is assessed entirely by
two final examinations. At A2 Level there is a compulsory coursework unit which accounts for 20% of
the final A Level Grade.
Course requirements and progression
To follow the History course within the Sixth Form you would be expected to meet the general
requirements for AS Level courses. In addition, because the subject is based on developing historical
and written skills a Grade B or higher at (I)GCSE History and a Grade B in English Language is
normally required.
The skills you will obtain through studying History will be useful in a number of careers and higher
education options, either directly related to History (e.g. working in museums, galleries, heritage sites,
record offices and archives and teaching), or in areas such as Journalism, Law, Libraries, National and
Local Government and the Civil Service.