History

History is a fascinating subject. It gives students the chance to develop a wide range of skills and to develop a perspective on human lives that took place in circumstances very different from their own.

Exam Board:  AQA
Coursework essay comprising 40% of A2

Course structure

The A-level course consists of two parts, the AS-level and the A2. For both the AS and A2 levels, you will study aspects of English, European and non-European History. You will use a variety of sources and encounter the competing interpretations offered by modern historians.

The AS-level

The AS course allows you to study two contrasting periods of history: Tsarist and Revolutionary Russia and the US involvement in Vietnam from 1961 to 1975. You will take one 75-minute exam for Russia and a 90-minute exam for Vietnam.

The A2-level

At A2 you will study the history of the British Isles in the 17th century, following the reigns of Charles I, Charles II and James II in an age when the personality of the ruler was crucial to the exercise of power. The course also covers the ‘Interregnum’ between Charles I and Charles II when there was no monarch in the British Isles. It is examined by one 90-minute paper.

You will go on at A2 to study an independent topic of your choice, in consultation with your teacher.  This involves analysis and evaluation of sources and discussion of ideas. You will submit a written piece of 4,000 words for assessment.

The one-year course

A one-year AS/A2 course is available. It covers the same topics as above but the pace will be fast, and the workload even more demanding. Only students with exceptional commitment, maturity and drive would be advised to follow this option.

It is possible to join our A2 group after taking AS at another school. Every year we have students who make this transition successfully, even though they have previously studied different AS units on another board. Do contact us for advice.

Background needed

GCSE at grade A or B is the ideal starting point but we do accept students with a C or even with no experience of the subject.

You definitely do not need any previous knowledge of a particular period and we find that students often prefer to broaden their understanding of history by choosing a period which they have not studied before.

Good writing skills, tenacity and an open mind are advantages.

Suitable combinations

Modern Languages, History of Art, English, Politics and many other subjects combine well with History.

After A-level

After A-level you can, of course, study History at university, alone or in combination with a wide range of subjects. The analytical skills and background you will acquire make it an excellent subject choice if you intend to take a Law or Politics degree.