History A level

For entry into the Sixth Form to study 3 A' Levels, students are required to achieve 5 grades at 9-5 (or where applicable A*-C) including English Language and Mathematics at Grade 4 or above.

In exceptional cases, students that do not reach the entry criteria based on their attainment in English or mathematics will be admitted to the 6th form with the addition of GCSE retake classes in the appropriate subject to their timetable. This based on 6th form discretion.

While we would encourage students to study 3 A levels, in exceptional cases and following conversation at interview we may support a student to study 4. All students will have the option to study for Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) alongside their A levels.

A grade 6 is recommended in any subject that a student wishes to continue at A Level. Students are welcome to discuss entry criteria for specific subjects and to ensure that their subject choices match their goals and aspirations.

Students wishing to study Mathematics require a grade 6 and in Further Maths require a Grade 7 in the subject at GCSE.

Studying History at CNS will be challenging, rewarding and engaging. The A Level course will help you to explain some of the most important events and changes that have taken place in the last 400 years. You will be asking questions about the nature of revolution; the extent to which the government can control society; and the development of modern politics and society. You will also be answering these questions!


Course details:

Unit 1: 1H Tsarist and Communist Russia, 1855–1964
Part 1 (Year 12) Autocracy, Reform and Revolution: Russia, 1855–1917
This component addresses the problems facing Tsarism in mid C19th and how the last Romanov Tsars tried to preserve their autocratic regimes. You will study the methods of power and control in this period and the extent to which a revolution was inevitable by 1917.

Part 2 (Year 13) The Soviet Union, 1917–1964
This component focuses of the Communist rule in Russia after the 1917 revolution. You will study why and how Stalin comes to power and then the nature of Stalin’s rule; including terror and modernisation. You will also study the role of Khrushchev in contrast to Stalin and the extent to which he really did offer an alternative system to Stalin.

Unit 2: 2E The English Revolution, 1625–1660
Part 1 (Year 12) The Origins of the English Civil War, 1625–1642
This component addresses the ongoing religious and political tensions in the build up to the English Civil War. You will study the limitations of King Charles as a ruler and the growing divide between King and Parliament.

Part 2 (Year 13) Radicalism, Republic and Restoration, 1642–1660
This component focuses on the English Civil War itself, analysing the reasons why Parliament won and the decisions made by parliament to execute their king. You will also study the rule of Oliver Cromwell and how far he changed England.

Unit 3: Historical Investigation: Civil Rights in the USA 1865-1980
A 3500 word investigation focusing on an aspect of civil rights. The coursework must show change over a period of 100 years. The unit examines the fight to obtain civil rights in this period by African Americans. It looks at what helped and hindered civil rights such as the role of white supremacy groups, war, the role of state and federal government along with the Presidents and civil rights groups themselves.

To complete an A Level in this subject it is necessary to achieve a Grade 5 at GCSE, although we strongly advise that students should be looking at achieving at least a Grade 6 at GCSE to have a secure platform for entry on to the course.

Where does History lead you?
History A level is a well respected qualification which provides you with a wide range of transferable skills to help you in your future university and workplace. You develop the capacity to absorb and manage a good deal of information, the capacity to order and analyse information and the ability to reason with clarity and cogency. In addition to this you will be able to prepare an argument, reach a judgement and have the ability to express an argument persuasively and with clarity.

It is these developed capacities that prepare graduates for successful careers in the areas of finance, management, administration, the media and so on.