History
Why study this subject?
If you enjoy discovering what makes people and countries behave as they do; if you want to make sense of the complicated world we live in; if you want to gain skills which are highly valued by a huge variety of employers.
Course Video
What will the subject include?
- Component 1: Breadth Study
- Component 2: Depth Study
- Component 3: Historical Investigation (Personal Study)
- The Making of a Superpower: USA, 1865-1975 (Breadth Study)
- Royal Authority and the Angevin Kings, 1154-1216 (Depth Study)
For further information: www.aqa.org.uk
Where will it lead?
Successful completion of the A-Level History course offers a huge range of opportunities for the future. It could lead to further study at University or a career in Law, Teaching, Research, Business Management, Museums, Broadcasting, TV and Film.
Which other subjects complement this subject?
Politics, Law, English Literature, Geography, Psychology, English Language.
Subject specific requirements?
You need to have a minimum level 6 in GCSE History. A willingness to work hard, reading extensively and able to undertake your own independent learning.
For examination board link, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Questions you probably want the answers to answered by our previous Year 12 students.
How many hours a week do you spend in the classroom with the teacher for the subject?
9 hours over 2 weeks. For History you will spend 5 hours on one side (Angevins/USA) and 4 hours on the other.
What do you study in Year 12 History?
You study the USA from 1865-1920 and Royal Authority and the Angevin Kings 1154-1216.
You also start completing research into your NEA at the end of Year 12.
How many hours a week do you spend outside of class on independent study for A Level History?
The minimum would be 2 hours the maximum 5 hours.
What skills does the subject develop?
Communication skills as you become part of a study group for the USA side of the course, excellent organisational skills as well as the ability to analyse and evaluate a range of historical sources. The subject develops both a depth and breadth of knowledge along with the ability to construct a well written extended essay.
What skills/qualities are required to succeed in this course?
You must have good time management and organisational skills to cope with the workload. You will need to be resilient and be willing to act on feedback as there is such a huge jump from GCSE to A level which means you go from getting 8’s and 9’s to possibly 8/25 on your first essay. However, after an initial period of adjustment you see your marks do improve making it incredibly worthwhile. So you must be determined.
How much work am I expected to do outside of class?
On average per week: one research task, a knowledge test (usually 10 quick facts that are to be learnt and recalled in a test the following lesson), an extension of the work done in class usually a worksheet or a few questions relating to the content covered in the lesson and a study group task. 25 mark essays are usually set every other week and we get a week to complete them.
What can I expect from the teaching staff?
You can expect the staff to possess high quality knowledge. They also provide thorough feedback with suggested improvements to make. Continuous communication particularly through email and they always make themselves available. Staff are always very helpful and fair in the amount of work set and the standard they expect it to be at (which is high) but will always push you to achieve the best outcome you must be prepared to accept and act on criticism as it is always given to help students improve.
What advice would you, as a Year 12, give me as a Year 11 student thinking about taking History?
‘The course will seem overwhelming at first and is a lot of work but it is worth really sticking in and is very rewarding if you have an interest in studying history. Revision each week is necessary as there is much more content to get to grips with than in GCSE.’ Jake, Year 12
‘Follow the teacher’s advice during feedback and make all of the corrections you need to ASAP; and read your notes from lessons straight after the lessons to keep the information fresh and ensure that you understand what you have jotted down during the lesson.’ Gavin, Year 12
‘Understand how content heavy the subject is, don’t just do it because you’re good. Do it because you really love history. Be prepared to give up a lot of time for homework and independent study. These are vital aspects to succeeding.’ Ella, Year 12
How will I be assessed?
Currently, the A Level is assessed as shown.
Component 1 is The Making of a Superpower: USA, 1865–1975 (Breadth Study)
Component 2 is Royal Authority and the Angevin Kings, 1154–1216 (Depth Study)
What future careers could I use my History A level for?
Looked upon favourably when applying to many universities.
Historian, teacher, lawyer, journalist, critic, researcher, politician amongst others.