History

Exam Board: OCR

A range of historical topics will be explored during this course, beginning with the rule of Queen Elizabeth, Mary and King Edward VI. We will look at how England changed under their rule. We will also explore how Russia went from being ruled by the Tsar to being a communist state by 1941 and then study the the rise and fall of the British Empire, pupils will explore events such as the Indian Mutiny, the Mau Mau risings and the scramble for Africa. Within this A-Level there is also the opportunity to complete an independent study on a topic of your choice in Year 13.

Assessment

Unit 1: One period study essay and one document-based depth study - I hour 30 minutes

Unit 2: One period study essay and a shorter question assessing the significance of two events - I hour

Unit 3: Two theme questions and one interpretations question - 2 hours 30 minutes

Unit 4: 3000-4000 word Personal Study - This unit is a non-exam assessment. The work will be marked by centres and moderated by OCR.

Requirements

You will need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 5 or above. It is an advantage, but not absolutely necessary, to have studied History at GCSE. If you have studied it at GCSE you will need at least a grade 5. If you have not have not taken GCSE history, a 6 in English language or literature will be required to be granted a place on the course due to the demands of this A-Level.

Where can it lead?

History at ‘A’ Level is a highly valued qualification both by further education institutions and employers alike. History students are adept communicators can interpret and analyse people and events and view and formulate arguments perceptively and persuasively. Therefore, with History A Level, the world is your oyster! You will impress in further education applications and have access to careers in Law, Education, Politics, and Media and, as a graduate in History, to careers ranging from all of the above to events management, fashion and retail, recruitment, finance and much, much more!