History

Course content

The course allows you to develop your understanding of events often studied at GCSE and the historical skills you have honed during Year 10 and 11.

At A-Level you study:

• Germany and West Germany 1918- 1989 (Examined Unit)
• Spain, 1930-78: republicanism, Francoism and the re-establishment of democracy (Examined Unit)
• Protest, Agitation and Reform in Britain 1780-1928 (Examined Unit)
•  The development of the Cold War

What have students who have taken this course in the past progressed to?

Many of our students go on to study History, Politics, Law or International Relations at degree level. History also combines well with maths and science subjects to create an attractive portfolio of qualifications enabling students to move on to a range of university courses. It also provides an excellent foundation for a number of popular careers including journalism, law and business.

How will I learn?

History is predominantly a classroom-based subject. You learn about the past through reading, watching clips and documentaries and studying both primary and secondary sources. Students then learn to form and structure arguments within written essays to prepare thoroughly for exams at the end of the course.

How will I be assessed?

At the end of year 13 you will take three separate examinations which will account for 80% of the total A level course. The final 20% is a 3000 - 4000 word coursework essay. This is completed during the first two terms of year 13 and handed in at Easter.

How much time should I be expected to spend on assignments, projects, field trips etc.?

We expect you to spend at least 5 hours per week studying history outside the classroom and preparing for lessons.

Which awarding body is the course validation by?

Edexcel.

Expected prior knowledge

To study History at A level you must have genuine passion for the subject as well as an interest in the way that the world has developed over time. You should enjoy investigation, discovery and debating various issues. A desire to learn how to analyse evidence in order to make up your own mind is also crucial.