History

5 in Mathematics required

6 in English Language required

6 in History required (if taken at GCSE)

6 in an essay writing subject required if History not taken at GCSE (e.g., Eng. Literature, Geography)

 

Studying history at Woodhouse will provide you with access to a fascinating and dynamic subject that deals with hard facts but varied and ever-changing perspectives. You’ll develop skills in written and oral communication, research, critical thinking, and evaluating both primary and secondary sources. You’ll work collaboratively with your peers inside and outside the classroom but also become an independent learner, equipped to cope with the rigorous demands of university study.

 

Many students go on to study history or a closely related degree course at Oxbridge and Russell Group universities. A good degree in history will allow you to pursue a high-powered career in various fields, such as the law, the media, the civil service and business. We provide many opportunities to listen to distinguished speakers, and various study trips are organised, including one to Berlin.

 

 

Britain in the 17th century was transformed by intense political and religious conflict that led to civil war, the execution of King Charles I, the abolition of the monarchy and the imposition of a military dictatorship under Oliver Cromwell.

 

The years after World War Two were defined by the Cold War, a prolonged ideological and diplomatic struggle between the USA and USSR which, in an age of nuclear weapons, at times threatened humanity’s very existence.

 

Before 1917, Russian emperors (or tsars) claimed to possess God-given authority. World War One created the revolutionary conditions that, in 1917, resulted in the overthrow of tsarism and the establishment of the world’s first Communist dictatorship under Lenin and his successor Stalin.

 

 

 

 

 

Britain 1603–1702 - 80 marks

 

 

The Cold War 1945–91 - 80 marks

 

 

Historical investigation - 40 marks

 

"I most enjoy the dynamic, interactive lessons that my teachers provide. I am always engaged in class and I think one of the reasons that history students do so well is that the department facilitates independent learning; there's always extra articles you could read or extra essays you could write! The course at Woodhouse has not only helped nurture my personal interest, but also further develop my skills.

 

I hope to study history at undergraduate level, and then complete a graduate diploma in law. History is such a useful subject to study at university because it has so many transferable skills - and of course it is enjoyable to study too!

 

I think Woodhouse is really good at preparing students for life at university; I remember the principal saying that the college acts as a ‘bridge’ to higher education, and my experience so far has definitely confirmed this. I knew that I wanted to study in an environment that was more mature and independent and I like that studying here is so different from being in a secondary school."