It is preferable for you to have already achieved a minimum of a Grade 5 in History at GCSE. Students without a GCSE in History are not excluded and should discuss their situation with the History Department.
We will be following the OCR specification which gives students the opportunity to study a range of different historical periods and experience different disciplines within the subject, such as a depth study, a thematic study, personal research, British and European History. Our History A Level course has a focus on Conflict and Rebellion in different eras and different countries.
Additional Course Information
Unit 1 – British period study and enquiry
The focus of this unit is England 1445-1509: Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII. The course will cover the turbulent times during this period of English History and significant events and political developments during the reigns of kings in this period will be studied. The unit also includes an in depth enquiry topic on the Wars of the Roses.
Unit 2 – Non-British period study
In contrast to the medieval period covered in the British History unit, this part of the course will focus on a modern European topic The Cold War in Europe 1941- 1995. The course will cover key political developments in the relationship between the communist East and the capitalist West.
Unit 3 – Thematic Study
This is a synoptic module that requires a broad overview of an historical period. The focus of this study is Rebellion and Disorder Under the Tudors 1485-1603. The unit will also include an interpretations element requiring evaluation of passages connected with key topics within the theme.
Unit 4 – Topic Based Essay
Candidates will be required to produce a 3,000-4,000 word essay on a topic of a student’s choice. Students may wish to build on an area related to one of the units previously studied or pursue an entirely independent line of enquiry on a historical topic of special interest.
All units will be examined at the end of the two year course.
Unit 1
- 1 hour 30 minute written examination
- (25% of A Level)
Unit 2
- 1 hour written examination
- (15% of A Level)
Unit 3
- 2 hour 30 minute written examination
- (40% of A Level)
Unit 4
- Coursework unit. The personal study will be submitted and marked internally and then moderated by the exam board.
- (20% of the A Level)
History is highly regarded by universities as an entry subject and it is a useful and valued subject for the world of work. Historians are sought after for their “thinking skills” – their ability to analyse, evaluate and think critically – and are to be found in Law, Journalism, Politics, Finance, Business, Management, Education and Museum and Archive work.
Your ability to think logically, organise data, to solve problems and to clearly explain and justify your opinions will be an asset to any employer.