A Level History – Early Modern

Exam Board/Specification

AQA A Level Early Modern History

Course Content

As part of this course, students will undertake a Breadth Study, Depth Study and complete a coursework essay.

The Breadth Study explores Spain in the Age of Discovery between 1469 and 1598, covering the forging of a new state, the drive to ‘Great Power’ status, the ‘Golden Age’ and Spain: the ‘Great Power’.

The Depth Study explores the Wars of the Roses between 1450 and 1499, specifically the origins of the conflict, the War of the Barons, the triumph of the Yorkists, the reign of Edward IV, the downfall of the Yorkist Monarchy and the end of the Yorkist Dynasty.

Coursework will be completed throughout the two years looking at the witch hunts in Britain, Northern Europe and America exploring the North Berwick witches in Scotland, the Lancashire witches, the Great Witch Hunt in Germany, Matthew Hopkins and the witch craze and Cotton Mather and the Salem witch hunt.

How Will I Be Assessed?

Paper 1 – 40%

• Spain in the Age of Discovery, 1469-1598

Paper 2 – 40%

• The Wars of the Roses, 1450-1499

Non-Exam Assessment (Coursework) – 20%

• 4500 word coursework essay
• The Witch Hunts in Britain, Northern Europe and America
• 4500 word coursework essay
• The Witch Hunts in Britain, Northern Europe and America

Skills and Prospects

This History course could lead to a university degree, either straight History or as a combined course (e.g. with Politics or Economics). It also is useful for careers in Law, Politics, Journalism, Teaching, Museum and Archive work, Local and National Government, Librarianship and Industrial Management and is widely respected and valued by many employers.

High Storrs Sixth Form Entry Requirements

A minimum of five GCSEs at Grade 9 – 4. This must include:

• Mathematics Grade 4 AND

• English Language Grade 5 OR

• English Literature Grade 5 AND English Language Grade 4

Plus