Why study A Level History? 

History is a hugely valuable subject which tells the vital story of how and why things change. Studying history enables you to understand the present and to think about the future. As well as its own significance, history contributes effectively to a range of literary subjects and is very highly regarded by universities. It is a well taught subject with committed expert staff and results have been excellent over a number of years. At A Level, students have the opportunity of producing a research piece on the French Revolution or woman and the vote . Not only is this rewarding in its own right but it helps to prepare students for the requirements of a university course, and enables them to study in depth an aspect that is interesting to them.

How will I be assessed?

For A Level there are two written exams of 2½ hours plus a 4,500 word Historical Enquiry.

Prerequisites

Grade 5 and above in History and Grade 5 in English.

What skills will I gain from studying History?

Historians have always made a virtue of the importance of reaching objective judgements based upon a broad range of reading and an understanding of a wide range of oft-conflicting sources. Historians will have the ability to write clear, literate, synoptic, analytical prose that represents balanced assessment of the evidence but which does not fight shy of drawing conclusions. Studying history provides vital transferable skills, extremely useful in many jobs.

Where can History lead?

History is clearly an essential subject to those who wish to pursue it at university but it also has a much broader relevance. It is highly appropriate to careers in Law, Journalism, Politics and general Management. It is important in any area in which the ability to evaluate information and present reasoned arguments is useful. Many of Britain’s top company bosses have history degrees. People as diverse as Jonathan Ross, Gordon Brown, Anita Roddick, Chris Martin, Sacha Baron Cohen and Louis Theroux have history degrees.

What will I study?

Year 12

• The Tudors: England 1485 – 1553
• ‘The American Dream’: The USA 1945 – 1960

Year 13

• Unit 1:     The Tudors: England 1553 – 1603
• Unit 2:     ‘The American Dream’: The USA 1960-1980
• Unit 3:     Non Exam Assessment (coursework)
  • • French Revolution 1685 – 1789
    • Women and the vote 1828 – 1928

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