Curriculum Leader: Mr S Allen
A Level Teacher(s): Mr S Allen, Mrs K Richbell and Mrs R Simms
Examining Board: OCR
Coursework Content: AS no coursework, A2 coursework = 20%
Form of Examination: AS 2 exams: 2 x 90 minutes.
A2 1 exam x 120 minutes
Should I choose this subject?
In a word, YES! History is interesting, it is relevant and it is vital to the understanding of society.
If you enjoy learning about people, you will enjoy history. The historical content you will learn is enjoyable, challenging and interesting. In addition, you will develop a range of skills in AS/A2 history, all of which are transferable and valuable to future employers. These include debating, analysis, and use of evidence, research to name but a few.
Ideally you will have studied GCSE history. However if you have not taken GCSE it is still possible to study AS/A2 history as long as you are committed to the subject.
What is it about?
In AS History you will be studying 2 topics, all of which will be an early modern topic and the other will be a modern history topic. The early modern topic on the English Civil War and the trial and execution of Charles I will be source based.
In A2 History you will study 2 topics, again based on modern history. You will study a thematic topic which looks at change over a period of 100 years. You will also study historical investigations and debates. This is done through an assessed piece of work and your coursework. The coursework will be chosen by you after studying the topic of Nazi Germany.
How will it be studied?
Lessons are mainly discussion based, you will spend time researching topics independently and using sources.
How will history be useful in the future?
History is very useful. You develop a range of transferable skills that employers value in a diverse range of careers such as law, business, journalism or even the music world – Chris Martin has a history degree!
““To quote the Matrix ‘everything that has a beginning has an end’. We may not know what is going to happen in our futures just yet, but one of the best ways to go about finding out is to look into what has happened in the past”
Francesca O’Brien former AS/A2 student who is now studying history with education at Cambridge University.