What specification is taught? 

OCR History (H505). 

What will I be covering in Unit 1? 

Britain 1930?1997 

This period of study will take students from Churchill’s premiership to the electoral defeat of the Conservative party under Major in 1997. The topic charts the development of British political history, and analyses Britain’s changing role in world affairs through the 1930s, World War 2 and the Cold War. There is a focus on key political leaders and their impact on Britain’s foreign, social/domestic and economic policies. Students will undertake a period study of the role of Churchill in particular, from his attitude to Germany before WW2, his leadership during WW2 and finally his impact on foreign affairs from 1930-1951. 

What will I be covering in Unit 2? 

The French Revolution and the rule of Napoleon 1774?1815 

Unit 2 is a non-British Historical study, with an emphasis on use of knowledge, understanding and judgement. The focus of this Unit will be the French Revolution and the rule of Napoleon. The topic begins with a study of the causes of the revolution, as well as the key events of 1789 in particular. Students will then analyse the development of the revolution during the years 1789-1795 with a focus on the political machinations of this period. The topic concludes with an analysis of the rise, decline and ultimate fall of the Emperor Napoleon, charting his poltical and military successes and failures. 

What will I be covering in Unit 3? 

Russia and its Rulers 1855-1964 

This thematic study focuses on the dramatic changes to Russian governance that occurred between the prescribed time period. In particular, students will be discover the impact of changes in governance, the economy and society, war and finally empire that occurred during the rule of both the Tsars and then the communist dictators. Learners are not expected to demonstrate a detailed understanding of the specification content, except for the named in-depth studies, but are expected to know the main developments and turning points relevant to the theme. 

What will I be covering in Unit 4? 

Historical Enquiry 

This unit requires far more independence from students as they will be asked to carry out their own in-depth enquiry into one of the key questions we cover as part of our French Revolution topic. Their essay will bring together the students’ developing skills from across all three components of their History A Level. 

How will I be assessed? All assessments take place in the summer of Year 13. 

Unit 1 – 25% of final qualification – 1 hour 30 min source based examination externally assessed and marked. 

Unit 2 – 15% of final qualification – 1 hour essay based examination externally assessed and marked. 

Unit 3 – 40% of final qualification – 2 hour 30 min examination externally assessed and marked. 

Unit 4 – An independent study of 3000-4000 words. This will be worked on in class and marked internally. 

What can I do with this subject? 

History is clearly an essential subject for those who wish to pursue it at university but it also has a much broader relevance. It is highly appropriate to careers in law, journalism, politics and management, in fact any area in which the ability to evaluate information and present reasoned judgements is useful. Many of Britain’s top company bosses have History degrees as well as Prime Ministers! 

Specific entry requirements for this course 

Students must achieve a grade 6 at GCSE History. 

Learning Journey