1. Studying History A - Level at Netherthorpe
What will I study?
Netherthorpe delivers the AQA History 7042 specification focusing on the following units:
We offer a full A Level at the end of a 2 year course (AS is not offered). If you have not studied GCSE History you will need a minimum of a 5 grade in GCSE English.
Paper one: Consolidation of the Tudor Dynasty: England, Paper two: The Russian Revolution and the Rise of Stalin, and NEA (course work) Black Civil Rights movement in the USA which equates to 100% AS Level.
The Tudors: England,
Students are given the chance to study the Tudor dynasty, the most significant and controversial
family in British history. Students will deconstruct the myth from the reality of the Tudors reign.
This option allows students to study in breadth issues of change, continuity, cause and
consequence through the following key questions:
How effectively did the Tudors restore and develop the powers of the monarchy?
In what ways and how effectively was England governed during this period?
How did relations with foreign powers change and how was the succession secured?
How did English society and economy change and with what effects?
How far did intellectual and religious ideas change and develop and with what effects?
How important was the role of Key individuals and groups and how were they affected
by developments?
Revolution and Dictatorship: Russia,
This option provides for the study in depth of the coming and practice of communism in Russia. It explores concepts such as Marxism, communism, Leninism and Stalinism, ideological control and dictatorship.
This course focuses on the fall of the Romanov dynasty and Russia's tumultuous
transition from autocracy to communism via the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917.
Students study the political, social and economic causes of revolution and the
conflict between ideology and political reality. Detailed studies will be made of life
under Lenin including the civil war, the red terror and the NEP before moving onto
Lenin’s death and the power struggle which ensued. In Y13 Pupils study the rise of Stalin
and life under his rule. The cult of personality will be explored along with the role the
economic five year plans and the purges played in modernising Russia to the extent
It was a key player in the Potsdam negotiations post Germany’s defeat in The Great
Patriotic War and Stalin’s dictatorship, looks at the ideology behind
totalitarianism as well as the transformation of the Soviet Union’s international position as
a ‘super power’.
Year
Unit title
Exam
% of final grade 13
1C - The Tudors: England, 1485–1603
2N - Revolution and Dictatorship: Russia and the Soviet Union, 1917–1953
Historical Enquiry
40%
20%
100%

2. Historical Enquiry: –The African-American Civil Rights Movement 1865-1968.
The personal study is completed in Y13 and forms 20% of the A Level Mark. It is a research
essay which is moderated internally and assessed by AQA. It covers the emancipation
of slavery through to the Jim Crow Laws, segregation lynching and the rise of the KKK and
the fight for equal rights advocated by leading figures such as Marcus Garvey,
Martin Luther King and Malcolm X. It is a study of American culture, economy and state
Sponsored social injustices which still resonates with many people today persecuted for
their colour, creed or culture.
What you can expect from the History Department:
The History Department is a vibrant and successful department which aims to
give our pupils a wide range and variety of historical experiences. We believe every
child should succeed in History and are proud of our continuous 100% pass rate at
A2. As well as preparing pupils for exams we think it is crucial they should also
access as many enrichment experiences as possible to broaden their passion for
history as well as further their study and employment skills. The History Department
therefore run trips to Manchester and Sheffield Universities to allow our pupils to
experience lectures and workshops from world class historical experts. All our pupils
have the option to become members of the Sheffield University Library and
access a wide and diverse variety of historical materials. We also have a popular and growing Historical Society where pupils can experience seminar style presentations and debates and also prepare presentations on their own areas of interest to share with others.
Extended Project:
We also offer the opportunity to complete an Extended Project in addition to the History A Level which is accredited and worth up to 70 UCAS points. This is similar to a personal study, where research and an essay is produced from the pupils choice of a historical controversy.
Trip to Poland-Auschwitz Birkenau
We offer an enrichment trip to Poland during the February half term for both Y12 and Y13 students studying History. The trip lasts 5 days in which we visit the infamous Auschwitz-Birkenau camps, Schindler’s Factory Museum, the Jewish Quarter, Salt Mines and Poland old town including the Castle and Cathedral.
Where history will take you:
Many of our history students have successfully gone onto their choice University to continue their studies. History is a desirable qualification both for further education institutions and for employment. The skills portfolio of analysis, debate and interpretation of evidence is ideal for careers in law, journalism, government and civil service positions, management, social services and work in either the private or public services.
We are keen on helping our students as much as possible. One key way in which this is done is through the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) provided by Moodle. Through this students have access to past lesson resources, revision materials and also links to lectures given by university lecturers. It is also a forum for discussions inspired by the content in the classroom and a place where students can contribute to their own Glossaries and Who’s Who guides to aid their learning. Each student automatically has access and is able to use it both in school and at home.