History — A Level

At The City of Liverpool College, we offer the AQA A Level over two years and study two main topic areas:

1. Depth Study: Democracy & Dictatorship in Germany 1918-1945
Studied in the Autumn term, this module examines the fall of democracy in Germany, the rise of the Third Reich and the horrors of World War and the Holocaust. You will examine thought-provoking questions:

“Why did democracy fail to stop the rise of Hitler in the early 1930s?”
“How did the Nazis indoctrinate German society?”
“Why did Nazi Germany embark on a ‘war of annihilation’?”
“Why did ordinary Germans go along with the Holocaust?”
“How serious was resistance to Nazism?”

2. Breadth Study: England under the Tudors 1485-1603
Studied in the Spring & Summer terms, this module examines the kingdom of England under the Tudor dynasty, the religious and social turmoil of the Reformation and the evolving nature of monarchy. You will examine key topics such as:

The Wars of the Roses & Henry Tudor’s rise to power
Henry VIII’s break with Roman Catholicism and his impact on England
The changing nature of society, culture and language during the 1500s
The triumph of Elizabeth’s ‘Cult of the Virgin Queen’
Exploration, trade and the development of the English Nation-State

These modules are each assessed by an exam at the end of the two years. The exams are a mixture of essays, source questions and an analysis of secondary historical interpretations. The exams are challenging, but lessons and revision throughout the year are focussed on preparing you for them, ensuring you are well prepared by the end of the two years. The combined marks are worth 80% of the final grade.

Individual Study: Coursework
This is worth 20% of the final grade. You will conduct your own research and can choose any topic to examine the idea of change and continuity within a roughly 100-year timespan. Previous successful coursework topics have included:

How significant were activists in achieving African-American Civil Rights?
To what extent did the Suffragettes drive modern feminism in Britain?
How responsible were the Tsars for the Russian Revolution?
How far did China develop as a response to foreign interference?

Coursework is an exciting part of the course as it is entirely under your control. The real aim of coursework is to encourage you to become not just a student, but a proper historian in your own right.

You will also have the opportunity to take part in at least two trips a year, including a day trip to York to gain a greater feel for urban life during the Tudor era, and the tumultuous conflict between the Houses of York and Lancaster. We also encourage students in the second year of the course to participate in our annual trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau, a moving and powerful experience which helps students understand the horrors of the Holocaust, as well as a personal insight into what life was like in occupied Eastern Europe during the 1940s.

Qualifications

Student Benefits

Academy Bakery

The Academy Bakery is located on the Duke Street campus, producing a range of first class baked goods daily. These include artisan breads, patisserie and biscuits, as well as special occasion/novelty cakes by award-winning master-bakers. Students are offered a range of discounts throughout the year.

The Academy Bakery

Academy Hair and Beauty Salons

Duke Street is also home to The Academy Hair and Beauty salons. They offer generous student discounts on a wide range of hair and beauty treatments, at a fraction of high-street prices. These include styling, cutting, perming, highlights, facials, manicures, electrolysis and traditional and homeopathic massage.

The Academy Salons

Academy Restaurant

Duke Street campus is also home to the College’s Academy Restaurant. Often referred to by it’s customers as Liverpool’s hidden gem, the restaurant serves top class cuisine, at highly competitive prices. Food is expertly prepared by professional chef/tutors and young chefs in training and offers students a range of discounts at different times of the year.

The Academy Restaurant

Microsoft Office 365 - Free

When you become a student of the College you’ll receive full access to Microsoft Office 365. This allows you to install the software on your own computer and other devices at home, completely free of charge.

Onsite Sports Facilities/Fitness Suite

The college has excellent sports and fitness facilities at its Roscoe Street campus. Students pay a one-off membership fee for all year round usage of weekly supervised gym sessions, as well as access to a number of sporting clubs and events.