History
The History curriculum at Cockermouth School encourages our students to become curious, to develop their own opinions and values based on a respect for evidence, and to build a deeper understanding of the present by engaging with and questioning the past. Our choice of topics offers students the chance to study a range of periods in history: civilisations and cultures beyond Europe, and political, social and cultural history. In addition to learning and analysing our past, our students develop important skills that make them highly employable. History continues to be a highly regarded academic qualification, developing analytical skills and ability to think critically; skills which are sought by numerous businesses. Successful history students have great employment opportunities in a range of fields such as heritage, culture, law, journalism, teaching, publishing, investment banking, and the Civil Service.
Key Stage 5
At Key Stage 5, History students follow the EDEXCEL A Level specification.
In Year 12, the students will cover two exam units. One unit is titled ‘In search of the American Dream: the USA, c1917–96’. Topics include the changing political environment, 1917-80; the quest for civil rights, 1917-80; society and culture in change, 1917-80; the changing quality of life, 1917-80; and the impact of the Reagan presidency, 1981-96. The second unit is titled ‘South Africa, 1948–94: from apartheid state to ‘rainbow nation’’. Topics include the response to apartheid, c1948-59; radicalisation of resistance and the consolidation of National Party power, 1960-68; redefining resistance and challenges to National Party power, 1968-83; and the end of apartheid and the creation of the ‘rainbow nation’ 1984-94. In Year 13, students will study one exam unit and complete a piece of a non-examined assessment marked by the class teacher. The exam unit is titled ‘Poverty, public health and the state in Britain, c1780-1939’. Topics include paupers and pauperism, 1780-1834; less eligibility: the Poor Law Amendment Act and its impact, 1832-47; the government, self-help and charity, 1847-80; social welfare reforms: pressure and action, 1880-1914; depression and the dole: poverty in the interwar years, 1920-39; the impetus for public health reforms; and changes in public health. The non-examined assessment element will consist of a choice of questions based around the two areas of study undertaken in Year 12 and focuses on different historical interpretations.
Further information about the A Level specification can be found using the following link:
Edexcel AS and A level History 2015 | Pearson Qualifications
