History Department

We believe that the study of History is fundamental to the educational well-being of all societies. This discipline lies at the heart of a balanced education, equipping its students with essential skills for life but also giving them joy through acquisition of knowledge of the past.

We are committed to making History teaching a source of greater inquisitiveness in the minds of pupils. Its rigorously analytical and intellectually creative nature allows students to develop the life-long ability to interpret evidence and to organise their thoughts and responses to it with precision and style.
Above all, we work to ensure that learning History can make a difference to how our pupils view themselves and the world around them. We want all our pupils to be enthused and excited as they come to understand the relevance of past societies and cultures.

Head of Department: Dr D M Smith

GCSE

From September 2007 the History Department has followed the OCR GCSE Modern World History B course (1937).

Aims
The GCSE History course at Stowe has four main aims:

• to give an appreciation of the key events and personalities that shaped the twentieth century.
• to examine History at a variety of levels; international, regional and national.
• to present ideas and interpretations from a variety of perspectives - political, social, economic and cultural.
• to present History through a wide range of sources including diaries, letters, newspapers, cartoons, official government papers and archive film.

Course Structure
There are two written examinations which are taken in term six at the end of the course.

Paper 1: 45% (2 hours)

International Relations 1919 - 1939

Germany Depth Study 1919 - 1945
Examines the way the victorious Allies set about establishing and maintaining the peace after 'The Great War', how the League of Nations was designed to solve disputes before they escalated in to war, the impact of Hitler as leader of Germany in his determination to ignore the League and put right the perceived injustices done to Germany at the end of the First World War. It also considers Britain's policy of Appeasement - the granting of concessions to Hitler to avoid war - and questions whether this was the right response to Hitler. The paper ends with an assessment of the impact of the Second World War on Germany.

Paper 2: 30% (1 hour 30 minutes)
 

British Depth Study 1906 - 1918
Examines key political changes in Britain on the eve of 'The Great War.' Focus on the reforms of the Liberal Government and the suffragette campaign. The impact of the Great War on British domestic life is assessed through a study of recruitment in 1914, the impact of the Defence of the Realm Act, the impact of bombing and the changing role of women.

Paper 3: 25%

Coursework: South Africa and Apartheid 1948 - 1994

Two assignments are completed during term four.

The study explores the factors behind the establishment of the
apartheid state from 1948 and examines the reasons for its
dismantlement in 1994. Key focus is on the Sharpeville Massacre in
1960, Nelson Mandela and the reaction of the international
community.

Conclusion

The GCSE History course has generated enthusiasm and interest because of its emphasis on historical skills and the use of a wide variety of sources. It gives an excellent training in the important skills of writing, argument and research.

A Level

History at A-level
History is primarily about curiosity and argument. It involves studying the past and reaching conclusions about it. You will be concerned with all aspects of human activity: politics, economics, society, religion, ideas and culture. You will examine how things have changed, why they have changed and with what results. You will be asked to research information, assess its merits and communicate your own opinions. You will both defend and criticise the views of others. You do not need to have studied it at GCSE but, it being an essay-based subject, will need to have a good grade in English. The real requirements are an inquisitive mind, a willingness to argue and an interest in the past.

The Value of History as an Academic Subject
The subject provides a broad and respected qualification. It teaches the crucial skills of writing, argument and research; of selecting, assessing and communicating, information. It is an ideal springboard for a wide variety of degrees. It is an excellent foundation for the Law profession, for the Civil Service and for Journalism as well as providing the clarity of thinking and analysis useful for careers in any branch of finance.

Subject Combinations with History
History combines most obviously with other essay-based subjects such as English, Politics, Geography, Religious Studies or History of Art. It often complements the study of a Modern Language and, because the style of analytical thought required is similar, provides a surprisingly useful link with sciences.

Studying History at AS & A2 Level
Your study will be based around the researching and writing of essays. This will involve wider reading, planning and executing an essay on a topic studied and discussed in class. The School Library has an excellent History section and the Department has its own Library and Reading Room which is well stocked with relevant books.

Course Specifics
A-Level History involves the study of four units, two in the Lower Sixth and two in the Upper Sixth.

AS

Unit 1 - Historical Themes in Breadth
The unit will require students to present historical explanations and assess their significance in the historical context of events, individuals' ideas, attitudes and/or beliefs.

Unit 2 - British History Depth Studies
The unit will require students to study a set of unseen documents relating to a key theme in British History. Students will need to demonstrate the ability to form a judgment based on analysis, cross referencing and evaluation of source material.

A2

Unit 3 - Depth Studies and Associated Controversies
The unit will require students to compare the provided source material while exploring an issue of historical debate, and to reach substantiated judgments in the light of their own knowledge and understanding of the issues of interpretation and controversy.

Unit 4 - Historical Enquiry
The unit will require students to write an extended essay demonstrating an understanding of a chosen theme over a period of at least 100 years. Students will be required to study the long and short term causes and consequences of change.

The History Society and The Pitt Society

The Department will encourage you to widen your historical interests by inviting distinguished historians to address the History Society. Some of the most able students will be invited to join The Pitt Society a small group which meets regularly to discuss and debate important cultural isues around a particular country or theme. The opportunity of a visit to that country is part of membership of The Pitt Society.

Head of Department: Dr D M Smith