History helps us to understand change and how the society we live in came to be. The past causes the present, and so also the future. A good grasp of the past provides a good guide to your future. Our A-level curriculum looks at the events and issues central to understanding the 21st century as it unfolds by considering social, economic and political developments.
Entry requirements
5 in GCSE History
5 in GCSE English Language
Assessment
There are three exams at the end of Year 13. The Britain Transformed element and the Witch craze aspect provide you with an opportunity to show your depth of understanding while the USA paper gives you chance to display the skills of a historian through analysis of primary evidence. The Cold War coursework develops these skills further, focusing on interpretations.
A-level History will bring to you an understanding of the modern world while simultaneously developing your skills that will enable you to further study any subject. You will add to your ability to question what is presented at face value and be encouraged to find out a more accurate answer.
In lessons you can expect to meet a variety of activities which include balloon debates (occasionally involving real balloons), card sorting, completing knowledge organisers as well as eating cake and saving America from a ‘terrible’ President out of his depth. Our focus is on developing your understanding, skills and knowledge in ways which suit you best, and guidance on your writing will help throughout your sixth form career and beyond. We aim to achieve this in a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere.
In Year 12 we look at democracies in change in the 20th century. Specifically, we consider Britain from 1918 through to 1997 and the USA from c.1920 to 1955, covering events that are still shaping the modern world today such as women’s and working-class rights as well as racism. Some themes from this are revisited in coursework in Year 13, examining different perspectives on the Cold Wear. An international focus is continued in Year 13 with the Witch craze module from c.1580 to 1750, considering the causes of with trials in places such as Scotland, Germany and America and considering why the fear and executions of so many people eventually subsided.
Examination Board - Edexcel
Beyond Sixth Form
History provides a superb basis for a range of future careers within and beyond history. Law courses frequently recommend history as a good basis for a degree and a career as lawyer or barrister. Journalism requires many of the skills that make a good historian. Similarly, communications careers generally benefit from a good grounding in history. The ability to question and probe for answers also makes for good doctors and careers within the medical field as first responses are challenged.
