History
The new specification for A Level has been designed to engage students with the study of history. Through a wide range of topics students are encouraged to analyse interpretations as well as sources, focusing on both breadth and depth studies. They will also develop the ability to ask relevant, significant questions about the past.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- GCSE History: Grade 5
- GCSE English Language or Literature: Grade 5
RECOMMENDED SUBJECT COMBINATIONS
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Essay-based subject; expect lots of writing.
- Prepare to read wider than the course prescribed content.
- A variety of homework tasks ranging from essays to critical assessments of sources and interpretations.
- Challenge your preconceptions and argue about causes, consequences, change & continuity.
UNITS STUDIED
- Paper 1H: Britain Transformed, 1918-97
- Paper 2H.2: USA, Challenge and Conformity, 1955-1991
- Paper 3: Britain, losing and gaining an Empire, 1763-1914
HOW IT IS ASSESSED
- 3 terminal examinations at end of year 13 (80% of your grade).
- Paper 1G: Germany and West Germany, 1918-89.
- Paper 2G.1: The Rise and Fall of Fascism in Italy.
- Paper 3, Option 30: Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII.
- Coursework module (20% of final grade).
TRANSFERABLE SKILLS
- Critical thinking and argument skills.
- Analyse and evaluate interpretations and historical sources.
- Apply knowledge to critically assess sources.
- Discussion and debate.
PROGRESSION
- Complements future studies in the Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Law faculties at university.
- Access to job roles requiring the analysis and presentation of data.
- Independent research & critical analysis skills are looked upon favourably by a wide range of employers, e.g. those in Journalism, Psychology, Law, Politics, Social Care, Archeology, Museum curation & academia.
WHY CHOOSE THIS SUBJECT?
History helps us understand change and how the society we live in came to be. Most students who study history, select a focus, whether that be art history, ancient history, education history, military history, or based on a region, like European history. Universities view it as a “facilitating” subject, so it will give you access to a much wider range of courses.