The A-Level History curriculum builds on the work started at KS3 and follows two of the possible thirty studies offered by AQA.

The British Empire, c1857–1967

This option allows students to study in breadth issues of change, continuity, cause and consequence in this period through the following key questions:

• Why did the British Empire grow and contract?
• What influenced imperial policy?
• What part did economic factors play in the development of the British Empire?
• How did the Empire influence British attitudes and culture?
• How did the indigenous peoples respond to British rule?
• How important was the role of key individuals and groups, and how were they affected by developments?

Democracy and Nazism: Germany, 1918–1945

This option provides for the study in depth of a period of German history during which a newly developed democratic form of government gave way to a dictatorial Nazi regime. It explores political concepts such as 'right' and 'left', nationalism and liberalism as well as ideological concepts such as racialism, anti-Semitism and Social Darwinism. It also encourages reflection on how governments work and the problems of democratic states as well as consideration of what creates and sustains a dictatorship.

Extracurricular Activities:

Holocaust Memorial

Our historians take the responsibility to remember the horrors of The Holocaust very seriously. Each October we send two Year 12 Heenan Historians to Auschwitz to gain experience and training from the Holocaust Education Trust. These pupils participate in and lead in seminars before qualifying as Holocaust Memorial Ambassadors who then share what they have learnt with the rest of our school community. Each summer we are also fortunate to receive a visit from a Holocaust survivor, providing our historians the privileged opportunity to hear first-hand testimony and participate in a question and answer session with a Holocaust survivor.

Essay Writing Competitions

Our year 13 pupils compete in annual essay writing competitions for a range of prizes including national recognition in reading their essay in front of a prestigious audience in London’s Athenaeum Club.

Useful Websites:

• https://www.history.org.uk/
• https://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/
• https://www.historyofliverpool.com/
• https://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/museum-of-liverpool
• https://senecalearning.com/en-GB/blog/gcse-history-revision-guide/