History
“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots”. – Marcus Garvey
We live in a dramatically changing world and the opportunity that the study of History provides to ground our understanding of the present in the context of the past, and thus to reach a more profound understanding of contemporary issues, is more important than ever. The A Level History course is designed both to engage and excite through the choice of material to be studied and also to encourage contemplation over issues that are immediate to us today.
Students study three units for the linear History A Level. All students study the same topics.
- “A “breadth study” covering the history of the British Empire from c. 1857-1967. This allows pupils to consider the motivating forces behind British imperialism, the impact of imperialism from the perspective both of the British and those they governed and, finally, the story of decolonisation after 1945.
- A “depth study” of American History from 1945-1980- “The American Dream: reality and illusion, 1945–1980”. This covers hugely interesting and meaningful topics such as the struggle for Civil Rights, the impact of the Vietnam War and the effects of Watergate.
- A piece of guided coursework, a student-researched 4,500 word essay. Students will choose their title from a wide range of topics.
These topics have been deliberately chosen to appeal to, and matter to, our students. The British Empire topic has never been more relevant to the present day, given the current Black Lives Matter situation and the debate over the Empire that this has created, whilst the issues surrounding Civil Rights in the USA are of universal significance. In addition to this, the American topic fits in well with the US section of the Politics A Level.
Outside of the syllabus, the department offers regular and structured preparation for the EPQ and Oxbridge entry. There is also a popular, pupil-directed Senior Historical Society, now known as the Coundley Historical Society, which meets every fortnight to hear presentations given both by members of the Sixth Form and external speakers.
Entry Requirements
Grade 6 in History if studied at GCSE.
The aim of the History Department is to present the study of the past in a manner that is both enjoyable and academically stimulating. Above all, A Level candidates must have a real interest in the study of different aspects of the past and a willingness to read both widely and deeply into a period. A generalised knowledge of a period is not sufficient to do well at A Level; you need to read so as to get into the minds, and to understand the motives, of those you are studying.
Topics Covered
Over the two year course, students will study the following:
British Empire 1857-1967
- The development of Imperialism, c1857–c1890
- Imperial consolidation and Liberal rule, c1890–1914
- Imperialism challenged, 1914–1947
- The winds of change, 1947–1967
USA 1945-1980
- Truman and Post-war America, 1945–1952
- Eisenhower: tranquillity and crisis, 1952–1960
- John F Kennedy and the 'New Frontier', 1960–1963
- The Johnson Presidency, 1963–1968
- Republican reaction: the Nixon Presidency, 1968–1974
- The USA after Nixon, 1974–1980
Coursework: a student-researched 4,500 word essay. Students will be able to choose their title from a wide range of topics including, but not limited to, the French Revolution, the American Civil War, the abolition of slavery and rebellions under the Tudors.
Methods of Assessment
Two 2.5-hour examinations at the end of the course and assessed coursework.
Enrichment Opportunities
The department runs regular trips to places such as Canterbury, Hampton Court, and the Tower of London. There is also a History and Politics trip to Washington DC every other year.
We also take part in an annual A Level History Day at Southampton University that affords our students a valuable insight into studying History at University.
Meet the Staff
If you have a specific enquiry for the History Department, email history@kes.hants,sch.uk
| Mr. N.J. Diver | Head of History and Head of Humanities, Politics |
| Miss. J.M. Barron BA | History, Senior Head of House |
| Mrs. S. Burt BA | History, Head of Sixth Form Academic Enrichment |
| Mr. C.M.J. Dormehl BA | History, Head of Year - Lower School |
| Mrs A Leatham | Teacher of History |
| Mr. G.D. Potter MA | History, Lead Practitioner |
| Mrs. R.K. Potter BA | History, Politics Co-ordinator |
