History A Level

A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and, if taken, History.

History is a captivating subject and if you have an interest in the world around you, then this is the course for you.

Our expert and dedicated specialist A Level teachers will guide you through the history of different countries, societies and cultures.

This in-depth course will investigate the personal history of people, how they interacted, and what motivated them.

You will study over 200 years of history, including at least one period of British History and the lives of ordinary people as well as the impact of great historical figures. You’ll use original source material, video evidence, discussion, debate, and essay writing. The department has its own intranet site and booklets to help you in your journey to becoming a historian.

Year 1

You’ll study ‘Britain transformed 1918-1997’ and ‘The USA 1955- 1992: Conformity and Challenge’.

Year 2

You’ll look at ‘The British Experience of Warfare c1790-1918’ and create a piece of coursework on the impact of the Vietnam War on the United States.

You will take three exams at the end of two years and complete a piece of coursework.

80% Exam and 20% Coursework.

Students have progressed to a range of higher education courses in history, art history, advertising, business management, journalism, law, English and politics, while some have secured highly sought-after training e.g. air traffic control with the RAF. The skills you learn will be useful in many careers where research and analysis are required, but more specific careers could include working in museums, galleries, heritage sites, libraries, national and local government, and the Civil Service.

The department hosts visiting speakers such as First World War historian Professor Gary Sheffield and stages visit local areas of interest.