History A Level

Please make sure you have checked the entry requirements before submitting your application. Please also be aware that we use an Attainment 8 requirement for students choosing to do Science and Maths subjects. This is explained further on our website: https://www.taptonschool.co.uk/page/?title=Subjects&pid=69

We will use the message function to contact you about your application, so please keep an eye on this.

A genuine love of History, an enquiring mind and good literacy skills are required to study History.

Links with other subjects

History combines well with any subject, but especially English, Economics, Geography, Politics, Sociology and Languages. It also makes an excellent contrast with Mathematics and Science subjects.

Main Syllabus Area

Unit 1 - England 1547-1603: the later Tudors

Enquiry topic: Mid Tudor Crisis, 1547-1558

• The stability of the monarchy – Edward VI and Mary
• Religious changes
• Rebellion and unrest

British period study

• Elizabeth and religion
• The nature of Elizabethan monarchy; Government and Parliament
• Elizabeth’s management of financial, economic and social affairs
• Elizabeth’s later years, 1588-1603

Unit 2: Non-British Period Study

Democracy and Dictatorships in Germany 1919–1963

• The establishment and development of the Weimar Republic: 1919–Jan 1933
• The establishment of the Nazi Dictatorship and its domestic policies Feb 1933–1939
• The impact of war and defeat on Germany: 1939–1949
• Divided Germany: The Federal Republic and the DDR 1949–1963

Unit 3: Thematic Study and historical interpretations

Civil Rights in the USA 1865–1992

Key topics

• African Americans
• Trade Union and Labour rights
• Native American Indians
• Women
• Depth Studies
• Civil rights in the ‘Gilded Age’ c.1875–c.1895
• The New Deal and civil rights
• Malcolm X and Black Power

Extension and Enrichment Opportunities

We have good links to the University’s History Department and this allows us to engage with a range of enrichment activities through them. We offer a study visit to Berlin in the summer term of Year 12.

A Level –all examined papers taken at the end of Year 13

Paper 1 – 25% (1 hour 30 minute exam)

Paper 2 – 15% (1 hour exam)

Paper 3 – 40% (2 hour 30 exam)

Topic based essay (coursework) – 20% (completed during Year 13)

GCSE Grade 6 in History and grade 5 in GCSE English Language.

Tapton School's minimum entry requirements for all students: Grade 5 in English Language; Grade 4 in Mathematics and three other GCSEs at grade 4 and above.

History is a good foundation subject for many degree courses across a wide range of subjects including Law, Business Studies, Economics, Social Policy, Philosophy, Social Sciences and Educational Studies. A History degree is good preparation for a wide range of occupations; for example, journalism, marketing, personnel, public service, law, advertising, insurance, teaching or museum work.