Exeter School offers a modern history course that attempts to strike a balance between British, European and world history. The overarching theme is: ‘The Development and Erosion of Democracy 1800–2000’. Building on knowledge and skills learnt at GCSE the course develops a greater understanding of the modern world, not least key themes such as imperialism, nationalism, capitalism and communism. Important skills in the handling and evaluation of historical source material are developed to enhance your critical reading and understanding of the past.
The topic ‘In search of the American Dream: the USA, c1917–96’ comprises a study in breadth, in which you will learn about the dramatic political, economic and social transformation of the USA in the twentieth century, an era that saw the USA challenged by issues at home and its involvement in international conflict. There is also an in-depth study of what impact the Reagan presidency had on the USA in the years 1981–96.
The topic ‘India, c1914–48: the road to independence’ comprises an in-depth study of the transition of the Indian sub-continent from a colony to independence and the subsequent influence on both the nature of civil rights campaigning and the search for national self-determination throughout the world. You will gain an understanding of the changing relationship between Britain and India during this period and of the reasons for this.
The topic ‘Ireland and the Union, c1774–1923’ explores the Irish struggle for constitutional change, the ways in which the Irish economy and society evolved and their impact on mainland Britain. This was a difficult period in the development of Irish society and for Anglo-Irish relations, involving passion, tensions and commitment to different causes that were in many ways irreconcilable.
The non-examination assessment on ‘Hitler’s Germany 1933–45’ is a single extended essay that allows you to examine issues of historical interpretation and historiography. The work of three historians will be used to debate a key issue, such as ‘How powerful a dictator was Hitler?’ or ‘How popular were the Nazis?’
Exam board: Edexcel
Course name: A Level History
Beyond the curriculum
The department runs trips to the USA, World War battlefields, Auschwitz, Dublin and Belfast, as well as making the most of the history in our own backyard with our Exeter medieval walk field day.
Visiting academic historians regularly deliver lectures, whilst the History Society transports pupils of all ages beyond the syllabus. Pupils also attend local seminar days organised by The Holocaust Educational Trust.
