The Grammar School for Girls Wilmington

The A level History course at GSGW consists of 6 separate modules or topics, 3 in each of the 2 years.

During year 12 Pupils study topics from the Edexcel syllabus on Nazi Germany, The Russian Revolution and the Civil Rights movement in the USA. During year 13 Pupils studies study the changing role of Monarchy and Parliament in Tudor England, Chamberlain and Appeasement (Britain between the World Wars) and a second module on Nazi Germany.

A wide variety of different teaching methods are used to enable pupils to learn effectively and A levels pupils are encouraged to undertake wider reading, prepare class presentations, lead discussions and debates as well as participate in detailed research and investigation.

Topic 1 – Nazi Germany 1933 -1939.
This topic investigates how and why Adolf Hitler was able to become leader of Germany and how the Nazi regime affected the everyday life of ordinary Germans during this period.

Topic 2 – The Russian Revolution.
This topic investigates Russia in the period 1880 – 1917, examining the reasons behind the revolutions of 1905 and 1917. Particular focus is given to the study of Tsar Nicholas II and his reign as King of Russia and why he was overthrown and murdered in 1917, the importance of Lenin and the Bolsheviks in the revolution and Russia’s involvement in the First World War.

Topic 3 – Civil Rights in the USA 1945 – 1968.
This topic examines the changing position of minority groups in America after the Second World War. How much equality had Black, Hispanic and Native Americans gained by 1968, the importance of Martin Luther King, Malcolm X and other Civil Rights Activists.

Year 13.

Topic 1 – Nazi Germany 1933 -1939.
This topic investigates the ways in which Hitler and the Nazi’s controlled everyday life in Germany throughout this period. Particular focus is given to why the Nazi’s carried out the mass extermination of Jews and other groups as well as the organisations of terror such as the SS and Gestapo and how they operated within Germany.

Topic 2 – The Changing Role of Monarchy and Parliament 1485-1603.
This topic focuses on the ways in which the role and power of the monarchy in England changed under the Tudor’s and how the role of Parliament became increasingly more important during this period. Particular focus is given to the reigns of Henry VII, Henry VIII and Elizabeth I and their relationship with Parliament and their subjects.

Topic 3 – Chamberlain and Appeasement.
This topic gives focus to the role of Neville Chamberlain as British Prime Minister and whether his policy of negotiating with Hitler was the right thing to do. Students also study life in Britain on the build up to World War Two and the impact of the Depression era.

Why History?
History is a useful stepping stone to many career paths and routes of study beyond A level. Many pupils who study History at GSGW go on to study the subject at University or pursue subjects connected to History such as Law, Journalism, government & politics, philosophy, Ancient History and Art History. History is a wide ranging subject that teaches many useful skills that pupils will take with them beyond their academic studies.