KS5 History

Year 12

Students will study two units in which they will be examined on at the end of Year 13.

Unit 1: Historical Themes in Breadth.

These units concentrate on the theme of searching for rights and freedoms in the 20th century, with particular emphasis on how America develops after World War One as a super power. The second unit looks at South Africa and how it is affected by Apartheid from 1948.

Both these units enable students to understand the importance of ideas and beliefs in the policies developed by states, how and why ideology is frequently a cause of both challenge and conflict, within and between states, and also gives rise to debates about the rights of citizens in order to gain a broad overview of a particular theme.

In Search of the American Dream: the USA, c1917-96

  • The social and economic position of African Americans in the USA in the 1940s and early 1950s: the nature and extent of discrimination and segregation; signs of change by 1968.
  • The changing political environment, 1917-80
  • Society and culture in change, 1917-80
  • The changing quality of life, 1917-80
  • The impact of the Reagan presidency, 1981-96

India, c1914–48: the road to independence

In this unit, students will study Indian history in some depth. Grounded in an exploration of source material in its historical context, students will develop an in-depth understanding of the changing relationship between Britain and India, from the outbreak of the First World War, to the achievement of independence for the Indian sub-continent, and of the reasons for this, with particular reference to Indian nationalism.

In working with selected sources, students will be required to demonstrate evidence skills which enable them to make reasoned and supported judgements and to address a historical view or claim.

  • The introduction and 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
  • The end of Apartheid and the creation of the ‘rainbow nation’, 1984-94

Year 13

Students will study another two units one of which will be examined as coursework and the other as an exam at the end of Year 13.

Unit 3

Public Health, Poverty and the State

  • The First World War and its impact on British India, 1914–20
  • Changing political relationships, 1920–30
  • Consultation and confrontation, 1930–42
  • The road to independence, 1942–48

Unit 4

The Vietnam War, 1945-75

  • What were the origins of American intervention in the Vietnam War?
  • How and why did Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy increase America’s role in the war?
  • What impact did the strategy and tactics used by President Johnson have on the outcome of the war?
  • Was the Vietnam War ever ‘winnable’?
  • How significant was public opinion in determining America’s decision to withdraw from Vietnam?
  • Was President Nixon a ‘mad bomber’ or strategic genius?

Homework: In History, students are set a variety of tasks for homework. These might include: report writing; information leaflets; model building; historical research into specific topics; source analysis; past paper exam questions; reading; watching a specific documentary; paragraphing.

Other Useful Information

5 ways I can help my child

1 Talk to your child about what they have been studying in school. Ask them to explain key concepts to you.

2

Debate topical issues, demonstrating a balanced argument.

3

Help to support in ensuring all work/files are organised and that students are recapping at home, on what they have learnt that week.
4 Encourage them to read around the subject4
5 Talk to them about their progress and attainment.