Examined Units and Coursework
Units 1 and 2 will be examined at the end of year 1. Unit 3 will be examined at the end of year 2 and Unit 4 will be completed over the course of year 2.
Unit 1: Britain, 1483–1529
How effectively did the early Tudors establish and consolidate their monarchy.
Introduction
This unit provides an overview of developments in England between 1483 and 1529, taking as its major focus the growth of political stability, from the instability of the reign of Richard III to the establishment of secure government by Henry VII and the development of Tudor rule under Henry VIII, to the fall of Wolsey in 1529. Issues to be studied include the roles played by the Kings themselves and their relationships with the nobility, councils and parliaments; examination of foreign policy and the priorities and constraints that determined England’s relations with her continental neighbours during this period. An understanding of the early Tudor economy and of the impact of expanding trade links will enable students to understand the context in which the early Tudors consolidated their monarchy.
Unit 2: The Impact of Stalin’s Leadership in the USSR, 1924–1941
Introduction
This unit provides an opportunity to investigate the impact of Stalinist rule on the USSR during this key period of its political, economic and social development. Students will need to have a sound understanding of the context and chronology of the USSR in the period between Stalin’s rise to power, following Lenin’s death in 1924, and the outbreak of the Great Patriotic War against Germany in 1941. However, the main emphasis will be on the impact of Stalin’s aims, actions and influence on important developments in the USSR. A study of Stalin’s aims focuses on Stalin’s consolidation of his political regime, and his economic revolution designed to implement ‘Socialism in One Country’ and transform the USSR into a modern, strong, industrialised state. The analysis of Stalin’s actions will focus on collectivisation, the development of a planned, industrialised economy and the development of a totalitarian state. The impact of Stalin’s rule will involve a study of how these policies transformed Soviet society in the years preceding the War. This unit does not involve a study of Soviet foreign policy, although candidates should be aware of the impact of foreign affairs on the USSR during this period.
Unit 3: The Triumph of Elizabeth: Britain 1547 – 1603 (B) HIS3B
Introduction
This unit promotes an understanding of change and continuity over a period of 60 years of British history, during which the power of the Tudor state was strengthened both at home and abroad, despite recurrent threats to national and religious unity and continuing problems of the succession. Through the study of themes and developments in depth, candidates will be able to demonstrate understanding of key individuals such as Somerset, Northumberland, Burghley, Leicester and the Tudor monarchs themselves in their exercise of political power. Candidates will also examine wider social, economic and religious factors that contributed to the processes of change. As a result of the study of the period as a whole, candidates will be in a position to explain the issues and ideas that shaped the relationships between the people and the state between the ‘Mid-Tudor Crisis’ and the death of Elizabeth I.
Unit 4: Historical Enquiry 20% of the total A Level marks
The students will study a taught module on Spain 1469-1598 in the Autumn term. In the Spring term they will complete a 3,500 word study on an issue from the period that shows change or continuity over 100 years. It is worth 40% of the A2 grade.