Course Summary
We will be following the OCR specification which gives
students the opportunity to study a range of different
historical periods and experience different disciplines
within the subject, such as a depth study, a thematic study,
personal research, British and European History.
Course Details
Our History A Level course has a
focus on Conflict, Rebellion and
Revolution in different eras and
different countries.
Unit 1:
British period study and enquiry
The focus of this unit is England
1445-1509: Lancastrians, Yorkists
and Henry VII. The course will
cover the turbulent times during
this period of English History and
significant events and political
developments during the reigns of
kings in this period will be studied.
The unit also includes an in depth
enquiry topic on the wars of
the Roses.
Unit 2:
Non-British period study
In contrast to the medieval period
covered in the British History unit,
this part of the course will focus
on a modern European topic The
Cold War in Europe 1941-1995.
The course will cover key political
developments in the relationship
between the communist East and
the capitalist West.
Unit 3:
Thematic Study
This is a synoptic module that
requires a broad overview of an
historical period. The focus of this
study is Rebellion and Disorder
Under the Tudors 1485-1603.
The unit will also include an
interpretations element requiring
evaluation of passages connected
with key topics within
the theme.
Unit 4: Topic Based Essay
Candidates will be required to
produce a 3,000-4,000 word essay
on a topic of a student's choice.
Students may wish to build on an
area related to one of the units
previously studied or pursue an
entirely independent line
of enquiry on n historical topic of
special interest.
How will it be delivered and assessed?
All units will be examined at the
end of the two year course.
Unit 1:
1 hour 30 minute written
exam - 25% of A Level
Unit 2: - 1 hour written exam - 15% of A Level
Unit 3: - 2 hour 30 minute written
exam - 40% of A Level
Unit 4:
There is no examination for the
coursework unit. The personal
study will be submitted and
marked internally and then
moderated by the exam board.
This unit is worth 20% of the A
Level qualification.
Entry requirements
It is preferable for
you to have already
achieved a minimum
of a grade 5 in History
at GCSE. Students
without a GCSE
in History are not
excluded and should
discuss their situation
with the History
Department.
Your next steps...
History is highly
regarded by universities
as an entry subject
and it is a useful and
valued subject for
the world of work.
Historians are sought
after for their "thinking
skills" - their ability
to analyse, evaluate
and think critically - and are to be found
in Law, Journalism,
Politics, Finance,
Business, Management,
Education and
Museum and Archive
work. Your ability
to think logically,
organise data, to solve
problems and to clearly
explain and justify your
opinions will be an
asset to any employer.
For more courses like this, check our courses page.
