History

History is ideal for those with an interest in the people and politics of the past; those who want to find out why some countries develop through peaceful change while others experience revolutions. It provides a chance to develop important skills of source criticism, essay-writing, critical understanding and interpretation.

The course is popular among pupils who enjoy debating, questioning and thinking, re-enacting, reading and watching films about the past. Studying History helps us understand human beings and their motivations: it helps us discern how we got to where we are now. Pupils are able to compare the different ways societies have dealt with universal human problems, such as who has power, how countries should be ruled and how individual human actions can affect millions.

A Level History covers Early Modern British History as well as Modern European History. For the British History unit we investigate Early Tudor Britain: 1485-1558. This includes an enquiry topic: the Mid-Tudor Crisis of 1547-1558. Pupils also study the USA 1803-1890 and, as an in-depth study, Russia and its Rulers 1855-1964 with a focus on Alexander II. Pupils complete a topic-based coursework essay in U6, offering a chance to deepen their knowledge of one of these areas.

During the two-year course pupils attend at least one major lecture where they have the opportunity to listen to leading academic historians such as Tracy Borman. There is also the opportunity to listen to lectures at Sherborne School, Sherborne History Society and the Chalke Valley History Festival. We also offer international trips, such as a visit to Berlin, to further enrich A Level study.

Examination board: OCR Specification Code: H505

Three papers: • British period study and enquiry – 1 hour 30 minutes • Non-British period study – 1 hour • Thematic study – 2 hour 30 minutes • Topic-based coursework essay – 3,000-4,000 words

s.elliott@sherborne.com