History

If you're fascinated by the past, have an enquiring mind and enjoy essay writing, A level history could be for you. It's suitable if you are moving on from GCSE history as it will allow you to study the subject in more depth. It's particularly relevant for you if you are aiming to pursue a history related career or higher education course. History is regarded as a facilitating subject as it leaves open a wide range of options for university study. It combines well with most subjects offered at A level.

You'll learn how to use evidence critically to investigate and assess historical questions, problems and issues. As well as a substantial amount of British history, you will also study a period of history of another country. You'll focus on significant individuals, societies, events, developments and issues from a range of historical perspectives. You'll have the opportunity to choose your own topic of interest to conduct an historical investigation, on which you will complete a 3500 word essay that will form 20% of your final grade.

You'll learn through formal teaching in the classroom, take part in individual and group project work, discussions, presentations and debates. You will be expected to undertake private study including research, revision and homework tasks. There will be visits to museums, places of historical significance and to university history departments. You will have the opportunity to attend university history guest lectures. There will be talks on history related careers and higher education options.

Assessment is through final examination at the end of the course. There are 2 examination papers of 2 hours 30 minutes duration. You will also complete a study based on a subject of your own choice covering a historical period of 100 years that will make up 20% of your total A level.

Minimum of five grade 4 GCSE passes; these must include at least grade 4 in Maths. Additionally, this course requires Grade 5 in either English Language or History.

A level history will give you transferable skills including independent thinking, the ability to analyse, prioritise and present a reasoned argument, cultural awareness and communication skills useful for many careers. You could move on to to degree and combined degree subjects such as history, classics, liberal arts and archaeology. There are higher and degree apprenticeships in law, cultural heritage and the Civil Service for which the skills developed in the study of history would be useful.