A Level History

The A level course is made up of 4 main areas, three which will be examined at the end of year 13 and a coursework unit also covered in year 13. In year 12 students will study topics for Paper 1 and Paper 2. Paper 3 is taught in year 13. Students will use a variety of methods to investigate these topics, including the use of contemporary sources and historical interpretations.

Paper 1 Britain transformed 1918-97: Themes include post-war economic challenges, creation of social welfare and development of the NHS, development of education, changing living standards and impact of popular culture, entertainment and leisure. Within this will we look at the growth of cinema and television and changing status of women, as well as the impact of immigration.

Paper 2 The USA, c1920-55: Boom, bust and recovery- topics include the economic boom of the 1920s, changes in society including the KKK, prohibition and organised crime, the Great Depression, Roosevelt and the New Deal, impact of WW2 and post-war change including growth of popular entertainment.

Paper 3 The Witch Craze in Britain, Europe and North America c1580-c1750: Topics include the changes in the attitudes towards witchcraft in Britain, looking at the impact of sceptical cases and publications. Students also look at the changing view of Science and the role of people such as Galileo and Locke. There are also five case studies looking at Britain, Germany and the Salem witch trials.

Non Exam Assessment (NEA) - This is an independent piece of work focusing on historical interpretations of a controversial issue. Students will look at the effect of the Blitz during the Second World War and how historians view this using books and articles relevant to the topic. Students will then complete a 3000-4000 word essay analysing these interpretations.

How you will be assessed

Paper 1: Breadth study with interpretations: 2 hour 15 minute written exam (30% of A-level) Three 20 mark questions with two assessing understanding of the period in breadth, and one which assesses the ability to analyse and evaluate historical interpretations.

Paper 2: Depth Study: 1 hour and 30 minutes written exam (20% of A-level). Two 20 mark questions, one assessing source analysis and evaluation skills, and one which assesses the period in depth.

Paper 3: Themes in breadth with aspects in depth: 2 hour and 15 minute written exam (30% of A Level) Three 20 mark questions with one focusing on contemporary source analysis and evaluation, and two which are essay based questions with one looking at case studies in depth and a breadth question.

Coursework: Completed and submitted in year 13 and worth 20% of the final grade. You will complete one question which will assess your ability to carry out a historical enquiry, analysing and evaluating historical interpretations and organising and communicating ideas. Students currently focus on the impact of the Blitz during the Second World War.

Students need to have five GCSE's at grade 4 or above including History or Ancient History

History is one of the broadest subjects in the academic world, which allows you to develop a range of analytical and evaluative skills. In addition, it is recognised as one of the most rigorous qualifications at A level and is therefore considered with high regard by employers and universities. It is an underpinning qualification for many areas, but is particularly useful for careers in law, politics, the civil service, journalism and education alongside many others. History also complements a range of other subjects such as English, History and Sociology.