How the history A-level has changed
Sixty years of papers show a swing to tickbox testing
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A comparison of history A-level questions from 1951 to 2008. The question for 2008 is taken from an AS-level paper, as this topic was covered in the first year of A-level study.
Q What claims has Napoleon I to be regarded as a military leader of genius?
Marking guidance No formal guidance was provided. Examiners relied on experience and comparing scripts at different grades.
Q Discuss the merit and faults of Napoleon either as a military commander or as the ruler of France.
Marking guidance Marking schemes were provided. These were basic and allowed considerable freedom to reward original and innovative responses. Examiners could compare scripts at different grades.
Q Examine the view that Napoleon I gave France order at the expense of liberty.
Marking guidance Examiners were instructed to assess candidates on their ability to use relevant facts, evaluate and intepret sources, distinguish and assess different approaches to the past, express awareness of change and continuity in the past and present a clear, concise, logical and relevant argument.
Q "He preferred conquest to peace." Is this a fair comment on Napoleon I's conduct of foreign policy?
Marking guidance Markers were given very detailed advice on how to award marks as well as told to assess candidates in the same way as the June 1990 paper.
Q "Napoleon's main aim in domestic policy was to win the support of the middle classes." How far do you agree with this view of the Consulate (1799 -1804)?
Marking guidance Markers were given very detailed advice on how the question is addressed to gain between 36 and 45 marks (out of 45); 32 to 35 marks; 27 to 31 marks; 23 to 26 marks; 18 to 22 marks; 10 to 17 marks and 0 to 9 marks.
• Questions taken from an appendix to
A New Level, a survey by the thinktank Reform
