History Summary

A-level History offers a comprehensive study of significant historical periods through its three distinct components. The first component ‘ International Relations and Global Conflicts1890 – 1941’, delves into the intricate dynamics between the Great Powers, analysing their role in sparking the First and Second World Wars. It examines factors such as Imperialism, Militarism and the balance of power that contributed to these conflicts.

The second component, ‘ The Tudors: 1485 – 1603’, immerses students in the transformative era of Tudor rule, spanning from Henry VII’s triumph at the Battle of Bosworth to the death of Elizabeth I in 1603. This module explores the profound impact of the Tudors on England’s evolution, encapsulating a period of change and innovation.

The final component is the ‘Historical Investigation: Non-Examined Assessment (NEA)’, an independently researched piece of extended writing with a limit of 4500 words. This component, set within a context of approximately 100 years, enables students to develop their skills, knowledge and historical understanding.

Entry Requirements

  • 5 x grade 5 or above (including GCSE Maths and English Language)  

Course Duration

2 years full-time

Specification

AQA 

How you will study

History students will learn in a variety of ways including independent and group tasks, individual research and in class debates. As historians, we build up the skills to effectively question, interpret and think critically in order to write a persuasively well-built argument.

Component breakdown

  • Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes- Three questions (one compulsory) (two questions, one compulsory)- 80 marks, 40% of A-level  
  • Final 20% is a 3000/4500 word historical investigation

Teaching, education, law, archaeology, museum curator, economics, politics, engineering, researcher, genealogist, conservation and heritage sites, philosophy, social care and many more.