History

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This subtopic explores the ideological confrontation between the superpowers post‐1945, examining how political, economic and military strategies shaped Europe. It requires students to critically assess differing historical interpretations and the reliability of primary evidence, developing a sophisticated understanding of causation, change and continuity in international relations.

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British Period Study and Enquiry (students choose ONE of 13 units)

Unit Group 1 consists of thirteen British period study and enquiry units (Y101–Y113). Each unit comprises two elements: a Period Study, assessed by essays, and an Enquiry, which involves the analysis and evaluation of four primary sources in their historical context to test a hypothesis. The units cover substantial periods of British history, focusing on causation, consequence, change, continuity, and significance.

Non-British Period Study (students choose ONE of 24 units)

Unit Group 2 consists of 24 non-British period study units. These units focus on significant individuals, societies, events, and issues across a range of historical perspectives (aesthetic, cultural, economic, ethnic, political, religious, scientific, social, and technological). The assessment requires learners to demonstrate understanding of key historical terms and concepts, recall, select, and deploy knowledge, and communicate effectively. Learners must reach substantiated judgements by explaining, assessing, and analyzing relationships between key features of the period studied.

Thematic Study and Historical Interpretations (students choose ONE of 21 units)

Unit Group 3 consists of thematic studies covering an extended period of at least 100 years. It requires students to analyze change, continuity, and development over time, while also evaluating historical interpretations through specific in-depth studies within each theme.

Alfred and the making of England 871–1016

Unit Y101 covers the period 871–1016, focusing on the life and reign of Alfred the Great as an enquiry topic, followed by a period study of the making of England under his successors, Edward the Elder, Athelstan, Edmund, Eadred, Edgar, and Aethelred.

Anglo-Saxon England and the Norman Conquest 1035–1107

Unit Y102 covers the political, social, and administrative history of England from the death of Cnut in 1035 through the Norman Conquest and the subsequent consolidation of power under William I, concluding with the reign of William II 'Rufus' and the succession of Henry I up to 1107.

England 1199–1272

This unit covers the history of England from 1199 to 1272, focusing on the reigns of King John and Henry III. It includes an enquiry topic on King John (1199–1216) and a period study on England (1216–1272), encompassing political crises, the development of the baronial opposition, the role of the Church, and the civil wars of the mid-13th century.

England 1377–1455

Unit Y104 covers England from 1377 to 1455, divided into an enquiry topic on Richard II (1377–1399) and a period study on England from 1399 to 1455, including the reigns of Henry IV, Henry V, and the minority of Henry VI leading to the origins of the Wars of the Roses.

England 1445–1509: Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII

This unit covers the political, social, and economic history of England from 1445 to 1509, focusing on the transition from the Lancastrian and Yorkist conflicts (Wars of the Roses) to the establishment of the Tudor dynasty under Henry VII.

England 1485–1558: the early Tudors

Unit Y106 covers the history of England from 1485 to 1558, focusing on the reigns of the early Tudors (Henry VII, Henry VIII, Edward VI, and Mary I). It includes a British Period Study on the reigns of Henry VII and Henry VIII, and an Enquiry Topic focusing on the 'Mid-Tudor Crises' between 1547 and 1558.

England 1547–1603: the late Tudors

Unit Y107 covers England 1547–1603, focusing on the 'Mid Tudor Crises' (1547–1558) as an enquiry topic and the Elizabethan period (1558–1603) as a period study. It examines the stability of the monarchy, religious changes, rebellion and unrest, and Elizabeth I's management of government, religion, finance, and foreign affairs.

The early Stuarts and the origins of the Civil War 1603–1660

This unit covers the political, religious, and social developments in Britain from the accession of James I in 1603 to the Restoration of Charles II in 1660, focusing on the causes of the Civil War, the execution of Charles I, and the nature of the Interregnum.

The making of Georgian Britain 1678–c.1760

This unit covers the political, religious, social, and economic developments in Britain from the Glorious Revolution of 1688 to the mid-18th century (c.1760). It includes an enquiry topic on the Glorious Revolution (1678–1689) and a period study focusing on the Revolutionary Settlement, political developments under the Whigs and Tories, Jacobitism, the rise of Walpole, social and economic changes including the evangelical revival and industrial growth, and foreign policy.

From Pitt to Peel: Britain 1783–1853

Y110 - From Pitt to Peel: Britain 1783–1853 covers the political, social, and economic developments in Britain during the age of revolution and reform. It includes the premiership of Pitt the Younger, the Tory governments under Liverpool, Canning, and Wellington, the movement towards and passing of the Great Reform Act 1832, and the subsequent era of reform under Peel, including the repeal of the Corn Laws.

Liberals, Conservatives and the rise of Labour 1846–1918

This unit covers the political, social, and economic developments in Britain from 1846 to 1918, focusing on the evolution of the Liberal and Conservative parties, the emergence of the Labour Party, and the impact of significant social and political reforms, including the enquiry topic 'England and a New Century c.1900–1918'.

Britain 1900–1951

Unit Y112 covers British history from 1900 to 1951, divided into an enquiry topic on 'England and a New Century c.1900–1918' and a period study on 'Britain c.1918–1951'. It examines political, social, and economic developments, including the rise of the Labour Party, the impact of the World Wars, the interwar economic depression, and the post-1945 Labour government reforms.

Britain 1930–1997

Unit Y113 covers British history from 1930 to 1997, divided into an Enquiry Topic on Churchill (1930–1951) and a Period Study on Britain (1951–1997). The course examines political, social, and economic developments, including the impact of war, the post-war consensus, and the shift towards Thatcherism.

The rise of Islam c.550–750

This unit covers the rise of Islam from c.550 to 750, examining the pre-Islamic Middle East, the life and mission of the Prophet Muhammad, the expansion under the Rightly Guided Caliphs, and the establishment and expansion of the Umayyad Empire.

Charlemagne 768–814

This unit covers the reign of Charlemagne from 768 to 814, focusing on his military conquests, administrative and religious reforms, the Carolingian Renaissance, and the nature of his imperial rule.

The Crusades and the crusader states 1095–1192

This unit covers the history of the Crusades and the Crusader States from 1095 to 1192, focusing on the First, Second, and Third Crusades, the establishment and survival of the Crusader States, and the interactions between Western, Byzantine, and Islamic powers.

Genghis Khan and the explosion from the Steppes c.1167–1405

This unit covers the rise, expansion, and impact of the Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan and his successors, the reign of Khubilai Khan, the subsequent development of the Khanates, and the interaction between East and West up to 1405.

Exploration, Encounters and Empire 1445–1570

This unit covers the period 1445–1570, focusing on the age of exploration, the encounters between European powers and indigenous peoples, the establishment of colonial empires, and the impact of these developments on both the colonies and Europe.

Spain 1469–1556

This unit covers the history of Spain from 1469 to 1556, focusing on the reigns of Isabella and Ferdinand, and Charles I. It examines the consolidation of royal power, religious policies including the Inquisition and Reconquista, overseas expansion in the Americas, and the impact of foreign policy and domestic challenges.

The German Reformation and the rule of Charles V 1500–1559

This unit covers the German Reformation and the rule of Charles V between 1500 and 1559, focusing on the religious, political, and military challenges faced by the Holy Roman Emperor, the spread of Lutheranism, and the impact of conflicts with the Ottoman Empire and France.

Philip II 1556–1598

This unit covers the reign of Philip II of Spain from 1556 to 1598, focusing on his political authority, religious policies, foreign policy, and the revolt in the Netherlands.

African kingdoms c.1400–c.1800: four case studies

This unit provides a comparative study of four major African kingdoms—Songhay, Kongo, Benin, and the Oyo/Dahomey empires—between c.1400 and c.1800. It examines the factors contributing to their rise, their political, social, military, and economic structures, and the reasons for their eventual decline, including the impact of European contact and the slave trade.

Russia 1645–1741

This unit covers the history of Russia from 1645 to 1741, focusing on the transition from the mid-17th century through the transformative reign of Peter the Great and the subsequent period of instability and change up to 1741.

The rise and decline of the Mughal Empire in India 1526–1739

This unit covers the history of the Mughal Empire in India from its foundation by Babur in 1526 to the decline of the empire and the sack of Delhi by Nadir Shah in 1739. It examines the reigns of key emperors, administrative developments, religious policies, military achievements, and the factors contributing to the empire's eventual decline.

The American Revolution 1740–1796

This unit covers the American Revolution from 1740 to 1796, examining the development of British hegemony in North America, the causes of the American Revolution, the conflict itself, and the establishment of the early Republic.

The French Revolution and the rule of Napoleon 1774–1815

This unit covers the history of France from the reign of Louis XVI to the fall of Napoleon in 1815, examining the causes, events, and consequences of the French Revolution and the subsequent rise and fall of Napoleon Bonaparte.

France 1814–1870

This unit covers the history of France from the Bourbon Restoration in 1814 to the fall of the Second Empire in 1870, examining the political, social, and economic developments under the Restoration, the July Monarchy, and the Second Empire, including the 1848 Revolution and the rise and fall of Napoleon III.

Italy and unification 1789–1896

This unit covers the history of Italy from 1789 to 1896, focusing on the development of nationalism, the process of unification (Risorgimento), and the challenges faced by the new Kingdom of Italy.

The USA in the 19th Century: Westward expansion and Civil War 1803–c.1890

This unit covers the history of the USA in the 19th century, specifically focusing on the processes of westward expansion and the causes, course, and consequences of the American Civil War, spanning the period 1803 to c.1890.

Japan 1853–1937

This unit covers the transformation of Japan from a secluded, feudal society under the Tokugawa Shogunate into a modern, industrialised, and imperialist power between 1853 and 1937. It examines the collapse of the Shogunate, the Meiji Restoration, Japan's rapid westernisation, its expansionist foreign policy in Asia, and the subsequent rise of militarism and nationalism leading to the outbreak of war with China.

International relations 1890–1941

This unit covers international relations from 1890 to 1941, focusing on the causes and nature of the First World War, the Paris Peace Conference, the League of Nations, international diplomacy, the rise of dictators, the policy of appeasement, and developments in the Far East.

Russia 1894–1941

This unit covers the history of Russia from 1894 to 1941, focusing on the rule of Tsar Nicholas II, the 1917 Revolutions, the Civil War and the rule of Lenin, and the rule of Stalin.

Italy 1896–1943

This unit covers the history of Italy from 1896 to 1943, focusing on the political, social, and economic challenges of the late 19th century, the rise and consolidation of Mussolini's Fascist regime, and the impact of Fascist policies and foreign policy leading up to the fall of Mussolini in 1943.

Democracy and dictatorships in Germany 1919–1963

This unit covers the political, social, and economic history of Germany from the establishment of the Weimar Republic in 1919 through the Nazi dictatorship (1933–1945), the post-war division of Germany, and the development of the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) and the German Democratic Republic (DDR) up to 1963.

The Cold War in Asia 1945–1993

This unit examines the development of the Cold War in Asia from 1945 to 1993, focusing on Western policies, the Korean War, the conflicts in Indochina (Vietnam and Cambodia), and the shifting geopolitical landscape involving the USA, USSR, and China.

The Cold War in Europe 1941–1995

This unit covers the history of the Cold War in Europe from 1941 to 1995, examining the origins of the conflict, the development of the Cold War through the mid-1950s, the period of tension and détente up to 1984, and the eventual end of the Cold War and its aftermath.

Apartheid and reconciliation: South African politics 1948–1999

This unit covers the political, social, and economic history of South Africa from 1948 to 1999, focusing on the establishment, development, and eventual collapse of the Apartheid system, and the subsequent transition to a democratic state.

The early Anglo-Saxons c.400–800

This thematic study covers the early Anglo-Saxon period in Britain and Ireland from c.400 to 800, examining the arrival of the Anglo-Saxons and the subsequent political, religious, economic, social, and cultural changes. It explores the development of kingship, the Christianisation of Britain, the evolution of economic and social structures, and cultural developments, including the role of the Church and the emergence of the Mercian supremacy.

The Viking age c.790–1066

This thematic study covers the Viking Age from c.790 to 1066, focusing on the development of Viking Scandinavia and their overseas expansion. It examines the political, religious, economic, social, and cultural changes resulting from Viking raids and settlements, and the extent to which these relationships evolved over time.

English government and the Church 1066–1216

This thematic study examines the evolution of English government and the Church from 1066 to 1216. It focuses on the development of central and local administration, the changing relationship between the Crown and the Church, and the roles of significant individuals such as archbishops and monarchs. The study covers the reigns of William I, William II, Henry I, Stephen, Henry II, Richard I, and John, emphasizing continuity, development, and change over the period.

The Church and medieval heresy c.1100–1437

This thematic study examines the relationship between the medieval Church and heretical movements from c.1100 to 1437. It explores the causes, nature, and support for heresy, the Church's response, and the maintenance of ecclesiastical authority through various methods including preaching, councils, and the Inquisition.

The Renaissance c.1400–c.1600

This thematic study examines the Renaissance c.1400–c.1600, focusing on the causes, nature, and extent of artistic, cultural, and political developments in Italy and northern Europe. It explores whether the Renaissance was a significant turning point or a continuation of the medieval world, analyzing the influence of humanism, patronage, and the role of key individuals, as well as religious and artistic change.

Rebellion and disorder under the Tudors 1485–1603

This thematic study examines the causes, nature, and extent of rebellion and disorder in England and Ireland between 1485 and 1603. It covers a range of specific revolts including Lovel, Simnel, Yorkshire, Warbeck, Cornish, Amicable Grant, Kildare, Pilgrimage of Grace, Western, Kett, Northumberland, Wyatt, Shane O’Neill, Northern Earls, Fitzgerald, Geraldine, Tyrone, O’Neill, Oxfordshire, and Essex.

Tudor foreign policy 1485–1603

This thematic study covers Tudor foreign policy from 1485 to 1603, examining the aims, methods, and impact of foreign policy under the Tudor monarchs. It explores the influence of financial, economic, religious, political, personal, and dynastic factors, as well as the changing nature of England's standing in Europe, relations with Scotland, France, Burgundy, the Netherlands, and Spain, and the domestic impact of these foreign relations.

The Catholic Reformation 1492–1610

This thematic study examines the development of the Catholic Reformation between 1492 and 1610. It explores the condition of the Church, the nature of the Catholic revival, institutional reforms (including the Council of Trent), the role of key individuals, and the impact of these reforms across different regions and societies.

The ascendancy of the Ottoman Empire 1453–1606

This thematic study examines the rise and consolidation of the Ottoman Empire from the fall of Constantinople in 1453 to the early 17th century (1606). It covers the political, administrative, and military structures of the Empire, its expansion into Europe and the Mediterranean, and its impact on European powers, including the Habsburgs, France, and Venice.

The development of the nation state: France 1498–1610

This thematic study examines the development of the French nation state from 1498 to 1610, covering the reigns of Louis XII, Francis I, Henry II, Francis II, Charles IX, Henry III, and Henry IV. It explores the theory and practice of absolute monarchy, the role of central government, law, provincial administration, religion, and the impact of wars on stability and unification.

The origins and growth of the British Empire 1558–1783

This thematic study examines the origins and growth of the British Empire from 1558 to 1783. It explores the factors encouraging and discouraging imperial expansion, the nature of colonial rule, and the impact of the Empire on both Britain and its emerging colonies, including the Americas, the Caribbean, India, and wider global spheres of influence.

Popular culture and the witchcraze of the 16th and 17th centuries

This thematic study examines the rise and decline of witchcraft persecutions in the 16th and 17th centuries, exploring how these events emerged from the popular culture of the time. It covers the causes of the witchcraze, the nature of the persecutions, the responses of authorities, and the impact on society across Europe and North America.

The ascendancy of France 1610–1715

This thematic study examines the ascendancy of France between 1610 and 1715, focusing on the development of absolute monarchy under Louis XIII and Louis XIV, the role of key ministers, religious developments, social opposition, and France's emergence as a dominant international power.

The challenge of German nationalism 1789–1919

This thematic study focuses on significant developments in Germany that characterized nationalism in various forms, from the emerging movement in the early 19th century to the achievement of unification and the eventual collapse of the monarchy in 1919.

The changing nature of warfare 1792–1945

This thematic study examines the changing nature and methods of land warfare between 1792 and 1945. It covers the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, the Crimean War, the Wars of Unification (1859, 1866, 1870–1871), the American Civil War, the Russo-Japanese War, the First World War, and the Second World War. The study explores the impact of generalship, technological change, planning, and domestic factors on the conduct of war.

Britain and Ireland 1791–1921

This thematic study examines the relationship between mainland Britain and Ireland from 1791 to 1921, focusing on the evolution of this relationship through religious, political, social, economic, and cultural factors. It covers the rise of revolutionary and constitutional nationalism, the role of the Union, and the impact of agrarian and economic issues.

China and its rulers 1839–1989

This thematic study examines the nature of Chinese government and its impact on Chinese people, society, and the wider world from 1839 to 1989. It covers the transition from the Qing dynasty through the Republic and Warlord Era to the establishment and development of the Communist state, including the reforms of Deng Xiaoping.

Russia and its rulers 1855–1964

This thematic study examines the nature of Russian government and its impact on the Russian people and society between 1855 and 1964. It covers the reigns of the Tsars, the Provisional Government, and the Communist regime, focusing on political change, economic and social developments, the impact of war and revolution, and the treatment of nationalities and satellite states.

Civil Rights in the USA 1865–1992

This thematic study covers the struggle for civil rights in the USA from 1865 to 1992, examining the experiences and campaigns of African Americans, Trade Unions, Native American Indians, and women. It explores the roles of Federal and State governments, the Supreme Court, and various pressure groups in shaping civil rights, alongside the impact of key historical events and movements.

From colonialism to independence: The British Empire 1857–1965

This thematic study examines the British Empire from 1857 to 1965, focusing on the factors that encouraged and discouraged change. It covers the governance and administration of the Empire, opposition to British rule, the impact of imperial power on both the periphery and Britain, and the Empire's role in international relations, including the World Wars, the Cold War, and the transition to the Commonwealth.

The Middle East 1908–2011: Ottomans to Arab Spring

This thematic study examines the Middle East from 1908 to 2011, covering the decline of the Ottoman Empire, the creation of Mandates and successor states, the rise of Pan-Arabism, regional rivalries, and the Arab Spring. It explores the role of global powers, the Arab-Israeli conflict, the impact of resources like oil, and the influence of religion and ethnicity.

Unit Y100: Topic based essay (Non-Exam Assessment)

Unit Y100 is a mandatory non-exam assessment (NEA) consisting of an independently researched essay of 3000–4000 words. It requires learners to explain and analyze different perspectives on a historical issue using a range of primary sources and secondary interpretations. The topic must be distinct from the in-depth interpretation topics studied in Unit Group 3.