History A Level

Component 1: The USA from Civil War to Cold War (Examination – 40%)

This unit is a study of aspects of social, cultural, economic, military and political American History from 1865 to 1975.

Component 2: Religious Conflict and the Church in England (Examination – 40%)

This unit is a study of the great changes to the Church and wider society which took place in Tudor England from 1529 to 1975.

Component 3: Non Examined Assessment (Coursework – 20%)

This unit is an essay of 3500 words on Russian History from 1855 to 1953.

Method of Assessment

As well as the coursework there is a 2 ½ hours exam for each component taken at the end of the two year course.

Links to other subjects

This subject can be studied in conjunction with any A Level course and particularly with Government and Politics which has both British and American topics.

Academically, it is expected that students entering Birkdale’s Sixth Form will have achieved a minimum of 5 passes (9 to 5) at GCSE, with at least 4 at grade 6 or higher; we would expect 6 or higher GCSE grades in those subjects being studied to A level. A grade 6 is required to study A Level English and Mathematics, although a grade 7 is preferred in Mathematics. Prospective Further Mathematicians should achieve a grade 7 in GCSE Mathematics although a grade 8 is preferred. In addition at Birkdale we look beyond the academic and would wish applicants to become fully involved in the life of the school, offering their skills and abilities in one or more of a number of areas (e.g. drama, sport, music, clubs and societies, etc).