Course at a glance
Examining Board: Edexcel
Next Examination Period: May / June 2023
Exam Specification Code: 9HI0
Coursework Element: No
Practical Element: None
Course Fee Includes: Online course materials and tutor support. Additional materials available at extra cost.
Edexcel A Levels are available for study anywhere in the world. Examinations can be taken at any registered examination centre in the world. It is recommended students check with examining centres that the chosen exam is available.
Introduction
Oxford College is pleased to offer the Edexcel A Level in History.
The aims and objectives of the Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in History are to enable you to:
– Develop an interest in and enthusiasm for history and an understanding of its intrinsic value and significance.
– Acquire an understanding of different identities within society and an appreciation of aspects such as social, cultural, religious and ethnic diversity, as appropriate.
– Build on your understanding of the past through experiencing a broad and balanced course of study.
– Improve as an effective and independent learner.
– Devlop the ability to ask relevant and significant questions about the past and to research these questions.
– Acquire an understanding of the nature of historical study.
– Develop your use and understanding of historical terms, concepts and skills.
– Make links and draw comparisons within and/or across different periods and aspects of the past.
– Organise and communicate your historical knowledge and understanding in.
– Different ways, arguing a case and reaching substantiated judgements.
AS Level History (2015 Specification) Entry Requirements
Although the AS Level History (2015 Specification) programmes build on the course content of GCSE, it is not necessary to have this qualification before undertaking an AS Level. However, in order to meet the demands of the course, it is recommended that candidates have literacy and communication skills equivalent to C or higher at GCSE. Please note that full tutor support is still provided throughout your course duration.
All students must be 16 years of age or above.
AS Level History (2015 Specification) Course Duration
1 year.
Study Hours Required
Approximately 150 hours.
Awarding Body
Edexcel A Levels are available for study anywhere in the world. Examinations can be taken at any registered examination centre in the world. It is recommended students check with examining centres that the chosen exam is available.
Examination Information
Students are required to arrange and pay for their AS Level History (2015 Specification) examinations and manage the course work element if the subject requires this. Students must check the relevant examination board website for further information and final examination sitting dates for the specification.
All examinations are held during the May / June exam period of every year.
AS Level History (2015 Specification) Course Units
This course consists of three units:
Unit 1 – Communist States in the twentieth century – Russia 1917–91: from Lenin to Yeltsin (Part 1).
Unit 2 – Communist States in the twentieth century – Russia 1917–91: from Lenin to Yeltsin (Part 2:).
Unit 3 – Communist States in the twentieth century – Mao’s China.
AS Level History (2015 Specification) Unit synopsis
AS Level History (2015 Specification) Units 1 & 2 – Communist States in the Twentieth Century – Russia 1917–91: from Lenin to Yeltsin
These two units comprises a study in breadth, in which you will learn about the key political, social and economic features of communist rule in Russia and the USSR during the twentieth century. This era saw the authority and influence of Russia rise to the status of a superpower, only to diminish and decline later in the century.
This option also contains a study in depth of historical interpretations on a broad key question: the reasons for the fall of the USSR, c1985–91.
AS Level History (2015 Specification) Unit 3 – Communist States in the Twentieth Century – Mao’s China
This unit comprises a study in depth of the transformation of communist China in the years 1949–76. The aftershocks of these changes are still being felt today as China emerges as a great economic and political power on the world stage.
By studying this unit you will gain an in-depth understanding of the nature and extent of change in this period, the effects of Mao Zedong’s policies on the lives of the Chinese people, and Mao’s role in driving dramatic political, social and economic changes.
Examination Board: EDEXCEL
Examination Codes: A level 8HI0
By the end of the AS Level you will have begun to successfully interpret and analyse historical sources. As well as learning about these very interesting historical periods, the principal focus of these units is to enable learners to be able to successfully handle the original sources and develop the skills of the historian.
Format of the Examinations
AS Level History (2015 Specification) Paper One
Overview of content
1E: Russia, 1917–91: from Lenin to Yeltsin
Overview of assessment
- Written examination, lasting 2 hours 15 minutes.
- Marks available: 60
- You answer three questions: one from Section A, one from Section B and one from Section C.
- Sections A and B comprise a choice of essays that assess understanding of the period in breadth (AO1).
- Section C comprises one compulsory question that assesses the ability to analyse and evaluate historical interpretations (AO3).
AS Level History (2015 Specification) Paper Two
Overview of content
Students take the following option:
2E.1: Mao’s China, 1949–76
Overview of assessment
- Written examination, lasting 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Marks available: 40
- You answer two questions: one from Section A and one from Section B.
- Section A comprises one compulsory question for the option studied, based on two sources. It assesses source analysis and evaluation skills (AO2).
- Section B comprises a choice of essays that assess understanding of the period in depth (AO1).
Progression
Our AS Level History (2015 Specification) programmes are eligible for UCAS points, making them a great choice for students aiming to progress to University. UCAS points are awarded according to the grade earned, please see below for details.
AS levels are also widely recognised by employers and are useful for students looking to progress their careers or meet requirements for promotion.
UCAS Points Table
A = 20
B = 16
C = 12
D = 10
E = 6
