A Level History

Taking History at A Level will build on the work from GCSE and deepen your understanding of Britain and the wider world. Having studied Elizabeth I, you will learn how her successors brought England and Scotland together before splitting it apart in the English Civil War. Broadening your knowledge of the Cold War, you will see the problems Germany has faced in the 20th Century, from recovery after World War I, life under Nazi rule, and the difference of life in East and West Germany during the Cold War.

In Year 13, you will focus on Britain’s complicated relationship with Ireland, going from a semi-independent colony, to a full part of the United Kingdom, to separation and eventual independence once more. You will also undertake a coursework project of your choice linked to your studies on Germany between 1919-1963.

• Develop your knowledge of the history of the United Kingdom, particularly building on work on Catholic-Protestant relations from Elizabeth GCSE
• Develop skills for independent research, scrutiny and analysis
• Develop ability to understand evidence and formulate arguments

Unit 1: Early Stuarts and Civil War 1603-1660

• How James I ruled both England and Scotland after Elizabeth I’s death
• The growing power and influence of Puritanism
• Reasons for arguments between Charles I and Parliament
• The English Civil Wars 1642-49
• The Commonwealth and Cromwell as the Lord Protector
• The Restoration of the British monarchy

Unit 2: Democracy and dictatorships in Germany 1919-1963

• Consequences of World War I for Germany
• The Weimar government’s attempts to solve problems such as hyperinflation
• Life in Nazi Germany; Gestapo, Hitler Youth, rebuilding and rearming of Germany, propaganda
• Impact of World War II on Germany
• The Holocaust
• Splitting of Germany, Berlin Blockade and Wall
• Life in West Germany vs East Germany

Coursework focus:

You will select a research area based on your work on Germany in Year 12. A question might ask the main reason why people voted for the Nazi Party, the origins of the Holocaust, or the difference in the quality of life between East and West Berliners.

Unit 3: Britain and Ireland, 1791-1921

• The history of anti-Catholic laws and their gradual removal
• Irish revolutions such as the United Irishmen Rebellion 1798 and Dublin Rising 1916
• The Act of Union 1801, creating the modern United Kingdom
• The rise of Irish nationalism (including individuals such as Daniel O’Connor and Michael Collins)
• The rise of the IRA and the Anglo-Irish War 1918-21
• The creation of the Irish Free State (now the Republic of Ireland)

3 exams between 1 hour and 2 hours 30 minutes, and a coursework of 3,000-4,000 words.

• Unit 1 – Written Exam: 1 hour 30 minutes (25%)
• Unit 2 – Written Exam: 1 hour (15%)
• Unit 3 – Written Exam: 2 hours 30 minutes (40%)
• Non-exam assessment: Topic-based essay (20%)

To study A Level History, students must obtain a Grade 5 or above in GCSE History.

If students did not study GCSE History, a Grade 5 or above must be obtained in GCSE Geography.

As with all A Level subjects, students must be prepared to carry out a considerable amount of private study and attend support sessions when appropriate.

History A Level naturally lends itself to a wide variety of future careers including journalism, law, the civil service, teaching, research and heritage work.