A Level History

Applications Open: - 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: - 31st March 2026

Entry Requirements: - Our Sixth Form entry requirements are five GCSEs at Grade 4 and above for the 'A' Level Pathway (in addition to some individual subject entry requirements) and 4 GCSEs at Grade 4 and above for the Vocational (BTEC) Pathway. The course information gives specific details of course content and entry requirements. Please also refer to the Sixth Form Prospectus for the specific entry requirements for the chosen subjects.

Students need to select the equivalent of 3 A Levels or more. (Triple BTEC counts as 3, Double BTEC counts as 2). Subjects are grouped into option blocks, please be aware that not all combinations are possible.

In addition to academic requirements stated above a place will be dependent on the receipt of a satisfactory school reference.

How to Apply: - Please apply via Kent Choices if you area a student from another school.

Please visit our website www.stanselmscanterbury.org.uk for more information.

“I am really enthusiastic about history. My teachers are very hard working and encourage me to succeed and are always there to help and inspire me”

Course Overview

The course seeks to encourage students to acquire and effectively communicate knowledge and understanding of selected periods in history; develop their understanding of historical terms and concepts; explore the significance of events, individuals, issues and societies in history; understand the nature of historical evidence and the methods used by historians in its analysis and evaluation; develop their understanding of how the past has been interpreted and represented; develop their interest in and enthusiasm for history.

Year 1 A Level

Paper 2: ‘The German Democratic Republic, 1949-90’

• A study of how the Communist government became established and consolidated its rule in
  East Germany in the years after the Second World War until 1961
• A study of the development of the East German State, 1961-85
• A study of what life was like in East Germany under the Communists, 1949-85
• A study of the growing crises and the collapse of Communist rule on East Germany, 1985-90

Paper 1: ‘Russia from Lenin to Yeltsin’

• A study of Communist government in the USSR, 1917-85
• A study of Industrial and agricultural change, 1917-85
• A study of how the people were controlled in the USSR, 1917-85
• A study of key social developments, 1917-85
• A study of the key reasons why the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991

Year 2 A Level

Paper 3: ‘Rebellion and disorder under the Tudors, 1485-1603’

• A study of how central and local government developed under the Tudors
• A study of the nature of threats to the Tudor Monarchy under Henry VII, 1485-99
• A study of the nature of opposition to Henry VIII’s religious developments during the 1530s
• A study of the nature of the 1549 Kett’s Rebellion
• A study of the rebellions that took place in the years 1569-70
• A study of the key rebellions in Ireland that took place in the later years of Elizabeth I’s reign, 1594-1603

Activities

To include Year 12 visit to Berlin to analyse the impact of the Cold War in Germany in the years 1949-90. Visits to the University of Kent for external lectures. Visiting speakers to discuss topics such as politics and power in the modern world.

5 GCSE's at Grade 4 or above including Grade 4 or above in GCSE History if studied. Grade 4 or above in English Language.

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Where can this course take me?

Lawyers, librarians, teachers, managers (variety of leadership roles) where you need to be an effective communicator / analyse developments in key industries. Television / media, journalism / researcher.