History

AS and A Level 

History will exercise your analytical skills, challenge you to think and research widely, ask questions and evaluate the quality of information that you discover.

We study the reigns of the Tudor monarchs, 1485-1603. This includes Henry VII’s consolidation of power; Henry VIII’s establishment of Royal Supremacy and the huge impact that religious changes had on society; the problems of royal authority and succession; and the reign of Elizabeth I. You will also examine Russia during the crucial years of 1917-53, assessing the dramatic impact of communist rule in the country following the 1917 revolution; Lenin and the Russian Civil War; and the dramatic and devastating repercussions of life under Stalin, including the cultural and social history of this period.

Your Year 13 coursework – a 4,500-word essay – will be inspired by the period 1871-1991 in Germany, exercising your strengths of historical investigation. Our biennial trip to Berlin complements this well.

Careers and study progression
A Level History is highly regarded by a wide range of employers and universities. Its application suits many careers, including journalism, law, politics, education, the Civil Service or museum curation, heritage management, marketing, archive management, archaeology, or research.

Exam board
AQA

Entry criteria
Grade 6 in GCSE History or grade 6 in GCSE English Language plus evidence of your interest in History

Assessment
AS Level: Two written examination papers (Year 12)
A Level: Two written examination papers (80%) and a coursework essay (20%) (Year 13)