New GCEs for 2008
GCE History (2040)
A2 outline
At A2, the specification offers a natural progression from AS. Unit 3 focuses on the relationship between the state and the people, and the forces which influenced this relationship. Unit 4 is an historical enquiry which tests understanding of change over 100 years.
The A2 specification has 2 units:
Unit 3
Topic list
- The Angevin Kings of England: British Monarchy, 1154–1216
- The Triumph of Elizabeth: Britain, 1547–1603
- The Emergence of a Great Power? Spain, 1492–1556
- British Monarchy: the Crisis of State 1642–1689
- France and the Enlightenment: Absolutism Under Threat, 1743–1789
- Stability and War: British Monarchy and State, 1714–1770
- British State and People, 1865–1915
- Monarchies and Republics in France, 1815–1871
- The State and People: Britain, 1918–1964
- Triumph and Collapse: Russia and the USSR, 1941–1991
- From Defeat to Unity: Germany, 1945–1991
- The Making of Modern Britain, 1951–2007
- Aspects of International Relations, 1945–2004
Assessment
| Written Paper: | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Weighting: | 30% of total A Level marks |
Written paper chosen from one of 12 options. Two essay questions to be answered from a choice of three. Tests understanding both in depth and breadth.
Unit 4
Historical Enquiry outline form
Submit your enquiry outline for approval by completing the form.
Topic list
- Historical Enquiry (Personal Study)
- Candidates will be required to submit an Historical Enquiry based on the investigation of an historical issue.
Assessment
| Historical Enquiry | |
| Weighting: | 20% of total A Level marks |
A personal study of approximately 3500 words: an analysis of an historical issue chosen either from the range of exemplars provided by AQA or from an equivalent course of study devised by the centre. The issue developed must show understanding of change over 100 years. Internally assessed by the centre. Moderated by AQA.
These initial exemplars will be revised later by adding a range of printed, electronic and visual resources. Specimen questions will also be provided.