History

Studying A level history not only helps improve students' knowledge of the past but also helps to develop skills that are invaluable in many jobs. Some of the skills include analysing, researching, better communication and problem-solving. Students will learn how to prioritise information and learn how to make vital decisions, helping to build an important skills’ set necessary for progression into university or a career.

Learning outcomes

The aims and objectives of A’Level History are designed to enable students to:

● develop their interest in and enthusiasm for history and an understanding of its intrinsic value and significance

● acquire an understanding of different identities within society and an appreciation of aspects such as social, cultural, religious and ethnic diversity, as appropriate

● build on their understanding of the past through experiencing a broad and balanced course of study

● improve as effective and independent learners, and as critical and reflective thinkers with curious and enquiring minds

● develop the ability to ask relevant and significant questions about the past and to research them

● acquire an understanding of the nature of historical study, for example that history is concerned with judgements based on available evidence and that historical judgements are provisional

● develop their use and understanding of historical terms, concepts and skills

● make links and draw comparisons within and/or across different periods and aspects of the past; and

● organise and communicate their historical knowledge and understanding in different ways, arguing a case and reaching substantiated judgements.

Qualification	A Level History
Awarding Body	OCR
Year 12	The Early Stuarts and the Origins of the Civil War (1603-1660) Students will cover the Early Stuarts (1603-1646) followed by the enquiry topic: The Execution of Charles I and the Interregnum 1646-1660. This is worth 50 marks and 25% of the total qualification. International Relations (1890-1941) Students will cover the causes and nature of WWI. They will also explore the Paris Peace Conference, The League of Nations, and International Diplomacy (1919-1935). Students will also study dictators and appeasers in Europe (1929-1941). The Far East (1819-1941) is also a topic. This is worth 30 marks and 15% of the total qualification.
Year 13	Civil Rights in the USA (1865-1992) A thematic unit, students cover a period of over 100 years that focuses on the struggle of citizens in the United States to gain equality before the law. This is worth 80 marks and 40% of the total qualification. Coursework. Independently researched assignment worth 40 marks and 20% of the total A-Level.

There is good variety in the topics I have studied and I have learned a lot about Britain and the rest of the world, which has helped me understand what is happening today and sparked an interest in politics. I have enjoyed history so much that I have applied to study it at university.

Year 13 student