Pearson Edexcel A-Level History – 9HI0
Course Leader: Amy Holland – amyholland@kba.uk
WHAT WILL I NEED BEFORE TAKING THIS COURSE?
Students must achieve a Grade 6 in History and English.
You should have an interest in the past, enjoy exploring different interpretations of historical events and be confident in developing written arguments. A-Level History is a writing-based subject, requiring skills of analysis, evaluation and interpretation.
WHAT WILL I DO?
A-Level History challenges you to investigate fascinating events, powerful individuals and major turning points that have shaped society.
You will explore Britain, 1625–1701, examining the dramatic struggle between Crown and Parliament, the Civil War and execution of Charles I, Oliver Cromwell's rule, the restoration of the monarchy and the Glorious Revolution.
In Russia in Revolution, 1894–1924, you will follow the fall of the Romanov dynasty, the leadership of Lenin, and the events of the Russian Revolutions that transformed one of the world's largest empires into the first communist state.
In the module, Civil Rights and Race Relations in the USA, 1850–2009, you will investigate the experiences of African Americans from slavery and segregation to the Civil Rights Movement and the election of Barack Obama, exploring the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.
You will also complete an independent coursework investigation, evaluating a historical debate which provides an excellent opportunity to develop the research, analysis and academic writing skills valued by universities and employers.
Students will learn through rigorous practice of essay writing and source analysis, developing the ability to construct well-supported arguments and evaluate historical evidence.
COURSE CONTENT AND COMPONENTS
Unit 1: Britain, 1625–1701: Conflict, Revolution and Settlement
- The struggle between Crown and Parliament.
- The English Civil War and execution of Charles I.
- Oliver Cromwell and the Commonwealth.
- The Restoration of the monarchy.
- The Glorious Revolution and the settlement of 1688–1701.
Unit 2: Russia in Revolution, 1894–1924
- The decline and fall of the Romanov dynasty.
- The 1905 Revolution and the events of 1917.
- Lenin and the Bolshevik seizure of power.
- The Russian Civil War and the establishment of communist rule.
Unit 3: Civil Rights and Race Relations in the USA, 1850–2009
- Slavery, emancipation and Reconstruction.
- Segregation and the struggle for civil rights.
- The Civil Rights Movement and its key individuals.
- Changing race relations and the election of Barack Obama.
Unit 4: Non-Examined Assessment (Coursework)
- An independent investigation evaluating a historical debate.
- A 3,000–4,000-word essay exploring different historical interpretations.
- Development of independent research, analysis and academic writing skills.
ASSESSMENT AND FEEDBACK
The course is assessed through three written examinations and one coursework investigation.
- Unit 1: Britain, 1625–1701 – 2 hours 15 minutes, 30%. Two essay questions and a historical interpretations question.
- Unit 2: Russia in Revolution, 1894–1924 – 1 hour 30 minutes, 20%. One essay question and a source question.
- Unit 3: Civil Rights and Race Relations in the USA, 1850–2009 – 2 hours 15 minutes, 30%. Two essay questions and a source question.
- Unit 4: Coursework – 3,000–4,000-word independent essay evaluating a historical debate, 20%.
Students develop three key assessment skills:
- AO1: Demonstrate, organise and communicate historical knowledge and understanding, analysing and evaluating key features and making substantiated judgements.
- AO2: Analyse and evaluate historical source material within its historical context.
- AO3: Analyse and evaluate different historical interpretations.
Lessons include knowledge retrieval questions to assess prior learning. Students complete regular written, exam-style questions and receive teacher feedback on how to improve. Termly folder checks help students keep up with their studies.
INDEPENDENT STUDY AND HOMEWORK
Students will be set approximately 6–8 hours of homework per week. This includes pre-reading and review tasks, planning and writing examination questions, and developing independent research skills.
PROGRESSION – WHAT CAN I DO AT THE END OF THE COURSE?
A-Level History develops highly valued skills in research, critical thinking, analysis, evaluation and communication. These skills provide an excellent foundation for university study and a wide range of careers.
History can lead to degrees in History, Politics, Law, International Relations, Journalism and other humanities and social science subjects.
Possible career pathways include law, education, journalism, politics, research, the Civil Service, heritage, museums, archives and the media. The ability to assess evidence, understand different perspectives and construct convincing arguments is valued by employers across many industries