Sixth form History
History
Board: Pearson
Type: GCE A Level
School: Teaching 50% at Shaftesbury School, 50% at Sturminster Newton High School
Contact: Miss K Allen and Mr L Allen
How can you make sense of the present unless you have a good understanding of the past?
How can you understand Britain today if you’ve never looked at our past?
How are you going to change the world if you haven’t investigated how it got to be in the state it’s in already?
How are you going to deal with the challenges of the future if you don’t understand the successes and failures of the past?
Answer: by taking History
What will I learn?
All students will be working towards completing an A Level, based on three “Components” taught across Year 12 and 13. A Depth Study on the Russian Revolution and the Soviet Union and a Breadth Study on Stuart England (the era of the English Civil War) will be assessed in Year 12. After Year 12 internal exams we will begin coursework into an issue of historical controversy, which is supported by a taught course but designed by individual students, as well as a fully-taught component on African-American Civil Rights from the end of slavery to President Obama.
Topic-based essay - students complete a research essay on a topic of their choice.
What are the entry requirements?
Minimum: GCSE grade 5 in History (if studied) and GCSE grade 4 in English.
Ideal: GCSE grade 6 in History and GCSE grade 6 in English.
If students have not fully met the entry requirements we are happy to discuss entry onto the course on an individual basis.
No prior knowledge will be assumed. You do need to be interested in what motivates human beings in their behaviour and beliefs. Reading and independent research should not be a chore. It is important to consider a range of interpretations before you arrive at your own opinion, which you should then be able to develop and defend, both orally and in writing. A Level History is about constructing and sustaining an argument – and demolishing rival views.
How will I be assessed?
Three written exams (one for each component), one with a source evaluation element plus coursework (20% of A Level) in the form of a Historical Investigation of the student’s own choosing. It is assumed that ALL students will progress and complete the two year A Level programme of study.
What do students do after studying History?
The skills of critical analysis, interpretation and evaluation you will learn through A Level History will be attractive to all universities. When applying for any degree course a background in History will be recognised as an indication of academic rigour and achievement. Degree courses in History are very popular and many students take advantage of the opportunity to continue studying a subject they enjoy or combine it in a multi-disciplined degree which can lead to careers in media, law, tourism, archaeology, the heritage industry, accountancy, business leadership or even teaching!