In an increasingly digital world, the landscape of education is rapidly changing. Among the most innovative and prestigious institutions adapting to this change is Cambridge Home School Online (CHS). Offering a rigorous and comprehensive A Level History course online, CHS ensures students receive a world-class education from the comfort of their homes. This article provides a detailed overview of the A Level History course offered by CHS, highlighting its curriculum, topics, teaching approach, extra-curricular activities, and examination structure.
Course Details
Specification
The A Level History course at CHS follows the Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) 9489 History specification. This rigorous curriculum is designed to develop a deep understanding of historical events and trends, honing students’ abilities to think critically and analyse historical data.
Qualification
Students who complete the course will earn an A Level in History, a qualification recognised and accepted by top universities worldwide, including Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, and Yale. This recognition underscores the course’s high standards and its ability to prepare students for further academic pursuits.
Duration
The course spans two years, providing ample time for students to delve into the material, complete assignments, and prepare thoroughly for their examinations.
Entry Requirements
To enrol in the A Level History course, students should have achieved at least a Level 6 in (I)GCSE History or an equivalent qualification. This prerequisite ensures that students have a foundational understanding of historical study, enabling them to engage with the advanced material covered in the course.
Beyond School
An A Level in History is not just an academic qualification; it equips students with essential skills highly valued in various career paths. These skills include research and analysis, critical thinking, and the ability to challenge and understand diverse viewpoints. Such capabilities are crucial in careers like law, journalism, museum curation, archive management, academic research, public policy, and education. Moreover, the course lays a strong foundation for degrees in Law, English, Politics, Philosophy, Classics, and various History specialisations.
Curriculum and Topics
The CAIE A Level History syllabus is meticulously designed to develop a comprehensive understanding of historical periods and themes, fostering an appreciation of human endeavour and diversity. Here is an in-depth look at the curriculum and topics covered in each paper.
Papers 1 and 2
European Option: Modern Europe, 1750–1921
- France, 1774–1814
- The Industrial Revolution in Britain, 1750–1850
- Liberalism and nationalism in Germany, 1815–71
- The Russian Revolution, 1894–1921
American Option: The History of the USA, 1820–1941
- The origins of the Civil War, 1820–61
- Civil War and Reconstruction, 1861–77
- The Gilded Age and Progressive Era, 1870s–1920
- The Great Crash, the Great Depression, and the New Deal policies, 1920–41
International Option: International History, 1870–1945
- Empire and the emergence of world powers, 1870–1919
- The League of Nations and international relations in the 1920s
- The League of Nations and international relations in the 1930s
- China and Japan, 1912–45
Paper 3
Topic 1: The Origins of the First World War
- Tensions between the Great Powers, including the Moroccan Crises
- The alliance system
- The growth of militarism
- The arms race
- Instability in the Balkans
- War plans
- The assassination at Sarajevo and the July crisis
- Mobilisation and declarations of war
Topic 2: The Holocaust
- The background of European and German anti-Semitism and racist theories
- Nazi anti-Semitism and persecution of the Jews, 1933–41
- The impact of war on Nazi policy towards the Jews
- Ghettoisation and Jewish responses to the Holocaust
- The development of Nazi extermination policies towards Jews and other minorities
- Contemporary reactions to the Holocaust
Topic 3: The Origins and Development of the Cold War
- Tensions in the wartime alliance against the Axis powers
- Peace-making at the end of the Second World War
- Increasing tensions in a divided Europe
- The Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan
- The Berlin Blockade and Airlift
Paper 4
European Option, Depth Study 1: European History in the Interwar Years, 1919–41
- Mussolini’s Italy, 1919–41
- Stalin’s Russia, 1924–41
- Hitler’s Germany, 1929–41
- Britain, 1919–39
American Option, Depth Study 2: The USA, 1944–92
- The late 1940s and 1950s
- The 1960s and 1970s
- The 1980s and early 1990s
- Foreign policy, 1944–92
International Option, Depth Study 3: International History, 1945–92
- US–Soviet relations during the Cold War, 1950–91
- The spread of communism in East and Southeast Asia, 1945–91
- Decolonisation, the Cold War, and the UN in Sub-Saharan Africa, 1950–92
- Conflict in the Middle East, 1948–91
Teaching and Learning Approach
The teaching approach at CHS is designed to maximise student engagement and success.
Homework, Assessment, and Reporting
Students are expected to complete at least one homework assignment per subject each week, alongside regular revision of notes. This disciplined approach helps reinforce learning and ensures students remain on track. Internal assessments are conducted at various stages: Level 5 assessments in June and mock assessments in November and March. Reports, which include grades for attainment and effort as well as feedback from Success Coaches and the Head Teacher, are issued at the end of the Autumn and Summer terms for Level 5, and after mock assessments for Level 6.
Parental Engagement
Parental engagement is a cornerstone of CHS’s approach. Parents are encouraged to use their family Teams account to maintain ongoing dialogue with teachers, enabling a more comprehensive tracking of their child’s progress throughout the academic year. This system provides a more detailed and continuous overview of student performance compared to traditional parent consultation evenings.
Extra-Curricular Activities
At CHS, the learning experience extends beyond the virtual classroom. The school offers a variety of extra-curricular clubs, including the Classics Club, Debate Club, and PPE Club. Students are also encouraged to start their own clubs, such as a History Club. Additionally, CHS provides an extensive online library with numerous historical books, videos, and resources. Students are encouraged to read extensively, watch historical films, visit historical sites and museums, or even join historical re-enactment societies.
Examination Structure
The A Level History course culminates in a series of examinations designed to assess students’ understanding and analytical skills.
Paper 1: Document Question
- Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Marks: 40
- Content: Candidates answer one document question from the European, American, or International options. The question includes two parts: analysis of two sources and evaluation of multiple sources to address a statement.
Paper 2: Outline Study
- Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Marks: 60
- Content: Candidates select two questions from one of the three options (European, American, or International). Each question has two parts: causal explanation and significance evaluation.
Paper 3: Interpretations Question
- Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Marks: 40
- Content: Candidates select one question from topics on the origins of the First World War, the Holocaust, or the Cold War. The question involves analysing an extract from an historian’s writing.
Paper 4: Depth Study
- Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Marks: 60
- Content: Candidates select two questions on their chosen depth study from the European, American, or International options. Each question focuses on in-depth analysis of specific historical periods or events.
Conclusion
The A Level History course at Cambridge Home School Online offers a robust and comprehensive educational experience. Through a meticulously designed curriculum, expert teaching, and a wealth of resources, students are well-prepared for academic success and future careers. By choosing CHS for their A Level History studies, students embark on a journey that not only deepens their understanding of the past but also equips them with essential skills for their future endeavours.
Embark on your historical journey with Cambridge Home School Online and unlock a world of knowledge, critical thinking, and academic excellence.
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FAQ
What is the specification for the A Level History course at CHS?
The A Level History course at Cambridge Home School Online (CHS) follows the Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) 9489 History specification. This curriculum is designed to develop a deep understanding of historical events and trends, enhancing students’ abilities to think critically and analyse historical data.
What qualifications will I receive upon completing the A Level History course at CHS?
Upon completing the course, students will earn an A Level in History. This qualification is recognised and accepted by top universities worldwide, including Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, and Yale, demonstrating the course’s high standards and its ability to prepare students for further academic pursuits.
How long is the A Level History course at CHS?
The A Level History course at CHS spans two years. This duration provides students with ample time to thoroughly explore the material, complete assignments, and prepare effectively for their examinations.
What are the entry requirements for enrolling in the A Level History course at CHS?
To enrol in the A Level History course, students should have achieved at least a Level 6 in (I)GCSE History or an equivalent qualification. This requirement ensures that students have a foundational understanding of historical study, enabling them to engage with the advanced material covered in the course.
What are the career prospects and further education opportunities after completing the A Level History course at CHS?
An A Level in History equips students with essential skills such as research and analysis, critical thinking, and the ability to challenge and understand diverse viewpoints. These skills are highly valued in careers such as law, journalism, museum curation, archive management, academic research, public policy, and education. Additionally, the course provides a strong foundation for degrees in Law, English, Politics, Philosophy, Classics, and various History specialisations.