Lessons
What is History?
History is the study of past events, through ever-changing and varied sources which may be viewed in different ways. Many issues in the news today have historical roots so that studying history will help you to understand the modern world. This makes it a lively and provocative subject to study, full of issues and arguments, investigating past politics, societies, cultures, languages, health, art, education, money, conflicts, looking at how things have developed over time and how we got to where we are today. If you’re interested in people and their lives in the past, then history is a good choice for you.
The A-level will help you to develop your interest in, and enthusiasm for, history and an understanding of its intrinsic value and significance. You'll build on your understanding of the past through critical and reflective thinking. You'll develop the ability to ask relevant and significant questions about the past and to research them and acquire an understanding of the nature of historical study.
You might study subjects as vast as The German Reformation, England and the Angevin Empire in the Reign of Henry II, The Crusades, The Making of Modern China or Civil Rights and Race Relations in the USA.
In class you'll undertake a range of activities including debates, role plays, presentations, research and decision making games. You'll be able to access resources such as photo archives, music CDs and videos, and you will also be expected to study on your own by reading and taking notes. There may be frequent opportunities to go on field trips or to conferences and even a residential study visit.
If you like the idea of studying History, see this video for more information.
Year 1
Studying & Assessment - AS Level
AQA
The AS Level is made up of two components, known as a breadth study (where you study a long period of ever-changing history) and a depth study where you'll study a shorter period of history in depth. Your teachers will decide what areas of history you'll study, but you'll study the history of more than one country, alongside British and non-British history.
At the end of Lower 6th you'll be assessed via two written exams, both of which are worth 50% of your final grade.
OCR
OCR History is made up of a study of British and a study of non-British history, each known as units. Units are broken down into Period Study and Enquiry. The broad nature of the Period Study encourages your to develop your interest in, and understanding of, important developments, while the Enquiry element allows you to see change and developments, and make substantiated judgements, over a substantial length of time, so that you can see issues in a wider perspective.
You'll be examined via two written papers at the end of Lower 6th, both of which are worth 50% of your final grade.
Edexcel
The AS Level is made up of two components, known as a breadth study with interpretations (where you study a long period of ever-changing history) and a depth study where you'll study a shorter period of history in depth. Your teachers will decide what areas of history you'll study, but you'll study history from a range of time periods and countries.
At the end of Lower 6th you'll be assessed via two written exams, with breadth study being worth 60% of the final mark.
Year 2
Studying & Assessment - A Level
AQA
The A-Level is made up of three components, known as a breadth study (where you study a long period of ever-changing history) and a depth study where you'll study a shorter period of history in depth. Your teachers will decide what areas of history you'll study, but you'll study the history of more than one country, alongside British and non-British history.
At the end of Upper 6th you'll take two exams, both of which are worth 40% of your final grade. You will also have to undertake a historical investigation, worth 20% of your final grade, based on a topic of your choice. This will take the form of a question in the context of approximately 100 years and will be approximately 3000-3500 words.
OCR
For OCR A-Level History you'll be studying a unit of British and non-British history. Units are broken down into Period Study and Enquiry. The broad nature of the Period Study encourages your to develop your interest in, and understanding of, important developments, while the Enquiry element allows you to see change and developments, and make substantiated judgements, over a substantial length of time, so that you can see issues in a wider perspective.
You'll also have to study a unit known as Thematic study and historical interpretations whereby you will learn about a theme over a period of at least 100 years, alongside in-depth studies of events, individuals or issues that are key parts of the theme. You'll develop the ability to treat the whole period thematically, and to use your detailed knowledge of the depth study topics to evaluate interpretations of the specified key events, individuals or issues.
OCR A-Level History is assessed via three exams at the end of Upper Sixth, one for each unit, and an extended essay. Your British study exam is worth 25% of your final mark, non-British is worth 15% of your final mark and Thematic study is worth 40%. Your topic-based essay of 3000–4000 words will be written during Upper 6th, arising from independent study and research, on a topic of your choice. This is worth 20% of your final grade.
Edexcel
The A-Level is made up of three components, known as a breadth study with interpretations (where you study a long period of ever-changing history) and a depth study where you'll study a shorter period of history in depth, and themes in breadth with aspects in depth. Your teachers will decide what areas of history you'll study, but you'll study history from a range of time periods and countries.
At the end of you Upper Sixth year you will be assessed via three exams, one for each component. Your breadth exam, and breadth and depth exam is worth 30% of your final mark while the other is worth 20%. You'll also have to write an extended essay of between 3000-4000 words on a subject of your choice worth 30% of your final mark.
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements
It's likely that you'll have to have at least a grade B in GCSE History to join the A-Level class. You'll also need a grade 5 in GCSE English language and a grade 4 in GCSE mathematics, however it's also likely that your college will consider you on an individual basis if you don't have the required grades.
What's Next
Next Steps
History is a firmly established and respected academic subject. It is accepted by all higher education establishments as a suitable qualification for a wide variety of degree courses, and courses you might like to consider include Archaeology, Politics, History of Art, Religious Studies or Classics. It is also useful for those considering a range of careers such as law, local government, management, the police, research, banking, the media teaching, and museum and archive work.
Skills
Skills
Historians look at all the available evidence and come to conclusions, a lot like a good detective, which increases there skills in numerous areas. Being taught in class, and developing yourself independently, especially through your extended essay you'll require the following skills:
- Analysis
- Research
- Problem Solving
- Independent Learning
- Written Communication
- Organisation
- Time Management
- Critical Thinking
Resources
Resources
Online Courses
Blogs & Websites
Podcasts
Other Subjects
What should I study History alongside?
History is a great complement to subjects such as Philosophy, Politics, Religious Studies, Economics and English Literature. If you are choosing to study science it's also a great subject to show that you've a range of skills, whilst it also lends itself to the study of ancient and modern languages, especially if you wish to study these and their culture at university.
Suggested Reading
Suggested Reading
Contact your college or sixth form before you start as they'll have a better idea of some of the books you might like to read. History is such a vast subject, and you want to keep your reading relevant to the topics you are studying. If you are interested in a certain aspect of History your best bet is to pop down to your local book shop, ask them what they'd recommend and get reading!
