Subject Intent

Why study history at DCS?

We study history to understand the past, but also to try and explain the present.

A Level History at DCS helps ignite and engage the passions and interests of our students. It aims to provide students with a broad basis for further study.  Students will study the history of more than one country or state in addition to the study of British history. They will also complete a thematic study, covering an extended period of history of approximately 100 years.  The coursework element allows them to explore in granular detail an area that is of specific interest to them using historical skills and sources. Our aim is to create independent learners, critical thinkers and decision-makers – all personal assets that can make them stand out as they progress to higher education and/or the workplace.
 

 

Staffing

Head of History and Politics

Mr M Adler  

Lead Teacher of Politics

Mr J Keene

Teacher of History

Miss L Smith

 

Homework

In A Level history, homework is not only designed to consolidate and revisit knowledge students have started to learn in school but also to give them the opportunity to apply this knowledge. Students may be asked to do a range of activities to support their retention and application of knowledge. These include tasks that involve memorising/ utilising key information from their learning by:

  • Completing or preparing for a factual knowledge test
  • Creating mind maps, topic guides, flash cards and summary revision resources
  • Answering essay questions based on the question strings used in the exams. 

KS5 Curriculum Plan for A Level History

 

Module 1: OCR Britain 1930-1997

This module covers significant political, social, and economic changes in Britain from 1930 to 1997. It includes an in-depth study of Winston Churchill's leadership and the post-war period.

Main Themes:

  • Churchill's Leadership (1930-1951):
    • Churchill's views on events from 1929-1940
    • His stance on the Abdication Crisis, Empire, and India
    • His role as wartime Prime Minister and his leadership style
    • Churchill's international diplomacy and relations with other wartime leaders
  • Post-War Britain (1951-1997):
    • Conservative domination and social changes (1951-1964)
    • Labour governments and economic challenges
    • Social and cultural transformations in the 1960s and 1970s
    • Thatcherism and its impact on British society and economy
    • The end of the Cold War and Britain’s role in the world

 

Module 2: OCR Civil Rights in the USA

This module explores the struggle for civil rights in the USA, focusing on key movements, figures, and legislative changes from the late 19th century to the 1970s.

Main Themes:

  • Early Civil Rights Movement:
    • Reconstruction and the Jim Crow laws
    • The role of the NAACP and early legal battles
  • Key Figures and Movements:
    • Martin Luther King Jr. and non-violent protest
    • Malcolm X and the Black Power movement
    • The role of women in the civil rights movement
  • Legislative Changes:
    • Brown v. Board of Education and the desegregation of schools
    • The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965
    • The impact of civil rights legislation on American society

 

Module 3: OCR French Revolution and Napoleon

This module examines the causes, events, and consequences of the French Revolution, as well as the rise and fall of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Main Themes:

  • Causes of the French Revolution:
    • Social, economic, and political factors leading to the revolution
    • The role of Enlightenment ideas
  • Key Events of the Revolution:
    • The fall of the Bastille and the Declaration of the Rights of Man
    • The Reign of Terror and the rise of Robespierre
  • Napoleon’s Rise and Rule:
    • Napoleon’s military campaigns and domestic reforms
    • The Napoleonic Code and its impact on Europe
    • The downfall of Napoleon and the Congress of Vienna

 

Module 4: OCR Independent Study

The independent study allows students to explore a historical topic of their choice in depth, developing research and analytical skills.

Main Themes:

  • Research Skills:
    • Identifying and refining a research question
    • Conducting primary and secondary source analysis
  • Analytical Skills:
    • Developing a coherent argument
    • Evaluating different historical interpretations
  • Presentation Skills:
    • Structuring and presenting findings in a clear and concise manner
    • Writing a 3000-4000 word essay

 

Implementation and Assessment

  • Teaching Methods:
    • Interactive lectures and discussions
    • Source analysis and critical thinking exercises
    • Group projects and presentations
  • Assessment:
    • Written exams for each module
    • Coursework for the independent study

This curriculum plan ensures a comprehensive understanding of key historical periods and themes, preparing students for further study and fostering a deep appreciation of history.

 

Module 1: OCR Britain 1930-1997

  • Written Examination:
    • Duration: 1 hours 30 minutes
    • Format: Essay questions and source-based questions
    • Content: Students will answer questions on key themes and events, analyze historical sources, and evaluate different historical interpretations.

 

Module 2: OCR Civil Rights in the USA

  • Written Examination:
    • Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
    • Format: Essay questions and source-based questions
    • Content: Students will address questions on the civil rights movement, key figures, legislative changes, and analyze primary and secondary sources.

 

Module 3: OCR French Revolution and Napoleon

  • Written Examination:
    • Duration: 1 hour
    • Format: Essay questions
    • Content: Students will explore the causes, events, and consequences of the French Revolution, as well as Napoleon's impact, through essay writing and research.

 

Module 4: OCR Independent Study

  • Coursework:
    • Research Project: Students will conduct an independent research project on a historical topic.
    • Essay: A 3000-4000 word essay presenting their findings, analysis, and conclusions.
    • Assessment Criteria: The essay will be assessed on the quality of research, depth of analysis, coherence of argument, and presentation of findings.

 

 

Independent Study and Revision

The history faculty have planned in opportunities within the curriculum to practice the skills required to respond to longer written questions.

The history faculty understands that spaced retrieval will help students to develop flexible knowledge and we promote the regular recall of key knowledge. 

All students are provided with text books/revision books where possible and additional resources are available to purchase.

Wider reading lists and suggestions of activities for students to complete in their independent study periods are regularly shared with students. 

 

Subject Enrichment

Opportunities to further enrich the subject include visits to university lectures; historical sites and subject specific visits to sites of interest.