A level History

There are a number of specific subject entry requirements, please visit our website to review the courses and entry requirements or alternatively please contact the Sixth Form for specific details.

*Please choose 3 subject courses from different blocks, you will automatically be added to Maths or English resit classes on enrolment if you do not achieve required 4 in Maths or English Lit/Lang but you must still meet requirements for entry per subject.

Students will have an in-depth understanding of Germany 1971-1991. They will understand themes around democracy and nationalism and how they forged a national identity. They will evaluate causational factors that led to the dramatic change in Germany’s political sphere and draw conclusions about the most significant factors in this journey. From the birth of German nationalism under the Kaiserreich to liberal democracy to Nazism to a divided Germany then finally unified. They will examine aspects of economic, politically, social and cultural history. They will be able to write at length analysing different points of view and able to Marshall specific detail in a coherent and logical manner in order to build and sustain an argument. Simultaneously, they will be engaged in independent research as part of their NEA themed on Tudor Rebellions.

OCR A Level H505
Qualification number: 601/4701/5

WHAT WILL I STUDY?

Each unit consists of a historical period, issue, individual or event.

• Component 1: British Period Study and Enquiry
• Component 2: Non-British period study
• Component 3: Thematic study and historical interpretations
• Topic Based Essay (Non-Exam Assessment)

During the A Level course students learn:

• About the significance of events, individuals, issues and societies in history.
• How and why societies have changed over time.
• About the theories of historians and the language that they use to discuss their ideas.
• To understand the nature of historical evidence and the methods used by historians to analyse and evaluate it.
• To develop an understanding of how the past has been interpreted and represented.
• To express their own historical ideas confidently and effectively.
• To plan and carry out an investigation into an area of historical interest.

HOW IS THE COURSE ASSESSED?

Components 1, 2 and 3 are externally examined, being worth 80% of the total A Level. The Topic based Essay is internally examined, being worth 20% of the total A Level.

WHAT WILL I NEED TO STUDY THIS COURSE?
Students do not need to have studied History at GCSE. It is more important that they have an enquiring mind, an interest in the past and its relevance to current affairs and an ability to communicate their ideas effectively. A grade 5 or higher in GCSE English and History or another Humanities subject is desired for A Level study but all applications are considered on an individual basis.

WHERE NEXT?
History does not relate specifically to any particular career.  As an academic subject this A Level is well regarded by universities and employers.