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A Level - History

Course Information

Course TypeLevel 3

Duration2 Years

Awarding BodyOCR

What does the course involve?

History is more than just dates and facts as it enhances our understanding of key individuals, societies and the process of change. Looking at the past helps us to gain an understanding of the present and gives us an insight into human behaviour. History is the study of our collective experience through time, being a process of objective investigation and discovery. You will learn to employ skills of synthesis and interpretation of evidence and develop the ability to present your argument with substantiated judgements.

The course is made up of four units:

(i) Britain 1930-1997 (with a special enquiry on Winston Churchill 1930-1951)
(ii) The Crusades and the Crusader States 1095-1192
(iii) Russia and its Rulers 1855-1964
(iv) An in-depth individual study on a choice of topics from a range available

During both years of study, you can expect to:

Gain knowledge and understanding of some key periods in British and world history
Develop and understand historical terms and concepts
Explore the significance of events, individuals, issues and societies in history
Develop an understanding of how the past has been interpreted and represented
Enhance your understanding of how historians really work

For further course information please click here

Spitfire 1

Entry Requirements

At least 6 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 , including GCSE English Language, and meeting the entry criteria of individual subjects (Level 2 vocational qualifications at Merit or Distinction will be treated as equivalent to one GCSE)

GCSE English Language grade 5 and GCSE History grade 4. Applications from students who have not studied History at GCSE will be considered on an individual basis.

Can I take additional qualifications?

If you choose to study History, you will usually take it alongside two other A levels. Subjects which complement History include: English Literature, Government & Politics, Geography, Film or Media Studies, Modern Languages, Sociology, Psychology and English Language.

How will I be assessed?

A Level: At the end of Year 13 there will be three exams of 1 hour, 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours 30 minutes plus one assessed 3000-4000 word coursework essay.

What are the costs?

There are no charges to study this course. Course texts are provided and the Learning Resource Centre holds a large selection of additional texts. However, there may be some costs for trips.