Course Overview
Entry Qualifications
In addition to the standard College entry requirements (see below), this course also requires students to have achieved grade 5 or above in GCSE English Language at Higher level. You do not need to have taken GCSE History, but if you have, you must have achieved at least grade 5.
What will I study?
This course requires students to study a breadth unit and a depth unit and complete a coursework assignment. We offer two options: Route CN studies the Tudors (1485- 1603) with Russia: Revolution & Dictatorship (1917-1953). Route KE studies America: Making of a Superpower (1865-1975) with the English Revolution (1625-1660). Coursework options include: the Crusading Movement, European Witchcraft, African-American Civil Rights, the Abolition of Slavery and Germany. You will be given guidance on selecting your area of research and assistance in selecting a question.
How will I study?
We use a wide variety of methods of study: whole-class teaching, group and individual research, presentations, essay writing, discussion, document work, the use of video material and e-learning. You will be provided with textbooks and there is a well-stocked History section in the College Library as well as on-line journals. Visiting speakers provide specialist knowledge and students have the opportunity to attend sixth form History conferences. We have regularly organised visits to the Tower of London and to the National Civil War Centre in Newark.
How is the course examined?
The A-level will be assessed by examinations in the summer of the second year. There is an examination for each unit, each worth 40% of the overall grade. These are assessed through a combination of essay questions and questions analysing historical interpretations and primary sources. You will also complete a coursework assignment which is in the form of an extended essay worth 20% of the overall grade.
Where next?
A-level History trains you to make sound judgements, think flexibly, express yourself clearly and is highly regarded as a preparation for careers which involve information management and decision making. This could include employment in administration and management as well as careers of a vocational nature such as business, law, accountancy or journalism.
What does the course combine well with?
History combines well with a wide range of Advanced Level subjects. While traditional subjects such as English and Politics will certainly complement History, students have equally successfully combined History with social sciences (such as Psychology), Science and Mathematics, enabling them to keep open a wide range of HE options. The Curriculum Area also offers A-level Ancient History, and a range of enrichment courses including debating.
College Entry Requirements
We normally expect applicants to have achieved good GCSE passes in at least six subjects, these must:
• demonstrate the suitability for Advanced Level study
• have been achieved at Grade 4 as a minimum
• include two at Grade 5as a minimum
• include English Language – a minimum grade of 4/C
Mathematics – If not achieved within the scope of the above should normally be achieved at grade 3. If mathematics is not achieved at grade 4 then it will be a requirement to continue to study at the correct level until a grade 4 is achieved. Subjects with a mathematical content will require a higher grade.
