From the quirks of the British political system, through the injustices that sparked the Black Lives Matter movements, to ongoing conflicts today, it is clear that the past continues to shape our world. Chesterton Sixth Form’s global History curriculum, taking you beyond British history to a diverse range of eras, countries, cultures and states, will equip you to understand these historical currents that affect our lives.
Subject Information
History is unparalleled as a subject in its wealth of controversial debates, fascinating stories and human interest. It is an excellent choice for students who are curious about unfamiliar past societies, who want to tackle interesting puzzles and challenging questions, or who have enjoyed GCSE History. This course will take you towards a deeper understanding of the historical discipline itself. History is about argument: in our classrooms, expect to argue about why events occurred and how much change really happened, to study original sources and to engage in dialogue with historians as they interpret the past.
Course Details
We are committed to offering a global History curriculum that shines a light on under-represented histories, fascinating and unfamiliar moments of our past, and profoundly important turning points in world history. You will study:
- African Kingdoms c.1400–c.1800, including the kingdoms of Benin, Dahomey, Kongo, Oyo and Songhay, which for hundreds of years produced exquisite works of art, developed complex governments and empires, and forged connections with Europe, North Africa and the Americas. We’ll be exploring why these civilisations rose and fell.
- Russia and Its Rulers 1855–1964, from Tsarist autocracy in the nineteenth century, through the Russian Revolution of 1917, to the Soviet Union during the early Cold War. We’ll be debating how far Russia truly changed across this period.
- Alfred and the Making of England 871–1016, including the recurring struggle between Anglo-Saxon kingdoms and the Vikings, in a violent process that ended in the development of England and the English. We’ll be using sources from the time to investigate why leaders, such as Alfred, were able to survive the Viking threat.
- Together with the three examined components above, you will also write an essay on a topic of your choice, giving you an opportunity to explore a period of history that really fascinates you or that you have never studied before, with one-to-one support from the teacher.
Alongside your study in the classroom, we hope to offer a range of enrichment opportunities, including visits to the Archaeology & Anthropology museum in Cambridge and the British Museum in London, with the potential for trips further afield too.
Subject Specific Entry Requirements
- Grade 6 in GCSE History.
Where could History take me?
History has the potential to open doors to numerous career paths. Our historians will become critical readers, persuasive writers, confident debaters and even independent researchers. As part of the course, you will complete a research project on a topic of your choice, learning invaluable skills in the process. All these skills mean that, as well as going on to study History at university, history students may become journalists, politicians, lawyers, philosophers, researchers, or economists (among many other options).
History is therefore an excellent choice for students who are passionate about world history, who are curious about the world today, and who enjoy lively debate and discussion. As a course highly regarded by universities, it will also set you up for future academic success, while developing a range of skills and knowledge that allow you to keep your options open.
Reading List
Alfred and the Making of England
The core books which you may wish to purchase are:
- John Blair, The Anglo-Saxon Age: a Very Short Introduction (2000)
- Julian D. Richards, The Vikings: a Very Short Introduction (2018)
- Marc Morris, The Anglo-Saxons (2021)
Other useful books include (but are not limited to)
- General Books on the Anglo-Saxons…
- Christopher Brooke, From Alfred to Henry III (1961)
- Christopher Brooke, The Saxon and Norman Kings (1963)
- Frank Stenton, Anglo-Saxon England (1971)
- P. R. Finberg, The Formation of England, 550-1042 (1974)
- Martin Wall, The Anglo-Saxon Age (2016)
- Nicholas J Higham and Martin J Ryan, The Anglo-Saxon World (2013)
- Peter Hunter Blair, An Introduction to Anglo-Saxon England (2003)
General Books on the Vikings
- Cat Jarman, River Kings (2021)
- R. Loyn, The Vikings in Britain (1977)
- Thomas Williams, Viking Britain (2017)
Biographies of Alfred and the other kings
- Max Adams, Aelfred’s Britain (2017)
- Justin Pollard, Alfred the Great (2005)
- Sarah Foot, Aethelstan (2011)
- Timothy Bolton, Cnut the Great (2017)
- Tom Holland, Athelstan (2016)
- Richard Abels, Aethelred the Unready (2018)
- David Horspool, Alfred the Great (2014)
And some general books about English history which include sections on the Anglo-Saxons
- Peter Ackroyd, The History of England, Volume 1: Foundation (2012)
- Robert Lacey, Great Tales From English History, Volume 1: Cheddar Man to the Peasants’ Revolt (2003)
African Kingdoms 1400-1800
- Toby Green’s A Fistful of Shells is written by the man who designed the course but is quite challenging. If you do decide to get this, let Ms Powell know so she can direct you to the most relevant sections – there are lots of links to electronic resources at: africankingdoms.co.uk/electronic-resources
Russia and its rulers, 1855-1964
- Orlando Figes
The Story of Russia (2022) provides an introduction to Russian history, with the latter chapters relevant to the course. - Geoffrey Hosking, Russia and the Russians (2001)
also provides a more detailed overview – again the latter chapters will be relevant. - Antony Beevor, Russia: Revolution and Civil War, 1917-1921 (2022)
is a recent book on the 1917 Revolution - Orlando Figes, Revolutionary Russia, 1891-1991: A History (2014) is part of the “Pelican Introduction” series.
Other reading
Aside from books, magazines such as History Today and BBC History Magazine will be helpful when searching for topics for your coursework.
See Ms Powell if you would like to borrow any copies of BBC History Magazine or History Review. The website historyextra.com is also full of resources. In the corner of E17 is a collection of books you are welcome to peruse, but ask Ms Powell before borrowing.
