A Level History at Clarendon Sixth Form provides learners with the opportunity to study a vibrant and rich curriculum, unique to the college. Modules have been selected to help learners transition from GCSE to A Level and to then prepare them for their next steps. Learners will be taught by experts who are highly experienced, well prepared and well resourced.
Yr 12 modules:
Democracy and Dictatorship in Germany 1919-1963
This module examines the changing political landscape of twentieth century Germany, charting the rise and fall of different ideologies during the country’s most turbulent period. We look at the fall of the monarchy and the reluctant establishment of the Weimar Republic, before analysing the global circumstances which allowed the far right extremist policies of the Nazis to flourish. The module then finishes up with an in-depth examination of Post-War Germany; how the country navigated the division between east and west, facing further turmoil, before being able to establish itself as a thriving modern democracy.
Lancastrians, Yorkists and Tudors: 1445-1509
Through examination of primary sources, this module explores the period of English history more commonly referred to as ‘The Wars of the Roses’. We examine the disastrous reign of Henry VI and how his inability to rule allowed the ambitious Richard, duke of York, to make a claim for the throne. The module then unpicks the impact of the bloody conflict between the House of Lancaster and the House of York. We study the dashing Edward IV and his controversial marriage to Elizabeth Woodville, before debating the reasons for Richard III’s takeover and subsequent murder of the ‘Princes in the Tower’. The module ends with an examination of how the conflict resulted in an unknown Welshman, with no real claim to the throne, usurping the king and going on to establish one of our most infamous royal houses…the Tudors!
Yr 13 modules:
Coursework
This module allows learners to really develop their own historical skills and interests through an extended piece of research of around 3-4000 words. Learners will research and select their own area of study and construct an analytical discussion using primary evidence and the work of established historians. They will learn how to reference appropriately and develop their own line of reasoning. In the past, learners have taken on just some of the following titles:
‘Assess the role of fashion as a tool of anti-Semitism’
‘Assess the changing nature of fifteenth century Kingship’
‘How significant was the bombing of Pearl Harbour in the Nazi decision to pursue Final solution?’
‘Assess the impact of colonialism on South East Asia’
‘Assess the impact of Norse mythology on the everyday life of Vikings’
The Viking Age 790-1066
This module really is the reason most learners join us at Clarendon for A Level History! We examine all aspects of Viking and Scandinavian life. We start by exploring the reasons for migration out of Scandinavia and the impact their voyages had on the places they visited. Vikings had no written language so we explore them mostly through archaeology and the things their enemies said about them. We look at the way they structured their societies, how they administered law and order and how increased raiding activity allowed their political systems to develop. We explore their cultural and religious practices, from human sacrifice to their belief in Ragnarok; the end of days. Vikings were so much more than blood thirsty warriors and we examine their artistic skills in craft, jewellery making and wood carving. We build our own long ships to help us understand the extraordinary technological skills they had, and how this enabled them to dominate international trade for over 200 years.