History, A Level

Students should ensure that they meet the entry requirements for the courses they are applying for (available on subject pages) as well as the overall entry requirements (5 grades at level 4 or above but must include English and Maths).

Students need to choose a minimum of three subjects to study, with a maximum of one subject per option block. Please note that all of our BTEC courses are single BTEC's and equivalent to 1 A Level, you will need to choose two further subjects if choosing a BTEC course.

Please ensure you have put contact details for yourself and a parent should we need to contact you.

History involves the study of both British and Modern American History, with separate teachers. Students further develop their skills of analysis and are encouraged to think critically about different interpretations of events. Students learn how to construct discursive essays and to evaluate the reliability of sources and analyse the evidence and perspective they present, to a higher level.

We study the following topics:

The Tudors in England 1485 – 1603 - this topic allows students to study in breadth issues of change, continuity, cause and consequence by answering some key questions

• How effectively did the Tudors restore and develop the powers of the monarchy?
• In what ways and how effectively was England governed during this period?
• How did relations with foreign powers change and how was the succession secured?
• How did English society and economy change and with what effects?
• How far did intellectual and religious ideas change and develop and with what effects?
• How important was the role of key individuals and groups and how were they affected by developments?

The American Dream. Reality and illusion 1945 - 80 - this topic cover the following areas

• The challenges faced by the USA at home and abroad as it emerged from the Second World War as a Superpower.
• How for many Americans, post-war prosperity realised the 'American dream' but the prosperity was not shared by all.
• How significant problems at home and abroad challenged the extent to which the 'American dream' was a reality.
• Concepts such as American identity at home and abroad, anti-communism, social equality, ethnic identities and federal versus states' rights.
• The nature of democracy in a pluralist society, political protest and the power of the media.

Independent coursework centred on Germany 1865 - 1945 - A personal study topic of the student’s choice (4,500 words)

The A Level will assess ALL content from both years of the course and will be examined in June of the second year of study. Continuous assessment will be used to inform the students progression in Year 13 and their registration for the A Level History exam.

• Grade 5 or above in GCSE English Language or GCSE English Literature
• Grade 5 or above in GCSE History

If History has not been taken at GCSE:

• Grade 6 or above in GCSE English Language or GCSE English Literature

You need to be predicted and achieve all the grades listed above in order to undertake this subject.

History provides access to a wide variety of degree courses including History, Law, Social Sciences, English, Philosophy and many combined degrees.

History shows a range of research skills and the ability to develop reasoned and substantiated arguments. This could help lead to careers such as journalism, law, accountancy, librarianship, museum studies and teaching.