AS Level
This course is designed to offer students a completely new yet interesting challenge in an era of History they are not so familiar with. However, given current trends in international relations, and specifically ‘the war on terror’, this course provides a useful insight into some of the context behind current issues.

Unit 1 - The Crusades 1095-1204: This unit looks at the causes, course and consequences of the Crusades against Islamic rule of the Holy Land. It examines the motives of those who went and the nature of the states they set up in the Holy Land.

Famous figures such as Richard the ‘Lionheart’ are considered as are the battles they fought. 

Unit 2 – The Norman Conquest 1060-1087: This unit examines the reasons behind William the Conqueror’s conquest of England and the methods he used to ensure success over the following twenty years. The unit also considers the extent of the changes brought about by the Norman takeover of Anglo-Saxon England. The topics covered therefore include the crisis over succession on the death of Edward the Confessor, the battles of Stamford Bridge and Hastings, resistance to Norman rule and the Domesday Book.

A2 Level
Unit 3- British Monarchy 1154-1216: This unit moves on from the previous study of the Normans to look at the kings who followed. The place of each king in history is assessed as is their contribution to history. Students will therefore get to study some famous characters such as King John as well as some famous events like the murder of Thomas Becket. However, the course also delves deeper into the social issues of the time examining, for example, the role and position of Jews in society with particular regard for the Anti-Semitism they faced. 

Unit 4 – Personal Study: Students are required to write a personal study on a subject of historical controversy from a period of history in the last thousand years. They are given help and guidance as the year progresses.

5 GCSEs at grade C or above. Students do not necessarily need to have studied History before.

All units are examined using straightforward traditional format examinations.

Students of History will develop a wide range of highly valued skills such as the ability to interpret and then critically analyse sources. They will also be encouraged to create and then present detailed and coherent arguments, write in a structured manner and engage in personal research.

Students of History go on to take a wide range of university courses and ultimately find employment in a vast array of careers. Employers value the skills of critical analysis and the formation of coherent arguments that the study of History fosters. As well as the obvious career choices open to History students, many other employers, and especially those in the legal profession, often look to recruit History students.