History A Level

Applications Open: Open Now!

Applications Close: Contact the school.

Entry Requirements: See website for individual subject requirements.

How to Apply: Please apply via Applica at: https://leighacademytonbridge.applicaa.com/year12

History works well as a subject alongside other humanities. Over the course, students will cover religious, political and geographical factors as they examine the causes and consequences of major events. History tells us not just about the past but about the present: why the world we live in today is like it is. Studying history allows students to formulate ideas and arguments on the nature of society and the actions of governments both present and past as well as providing entertaining evidence that fact is often stranger than fiction.

History is a subject held in high regard by a number of employers. A good historian combining an analytical mind with good research skills and an interest in the past can look forward to success in law, journalism, the civil service, management and research amongst other more history-based careers. History can also provide a useful balance for students whose strengths lie in maths, science or languages.

Course Description

The topics in Year 12 are linked by the theme of challenges to the authority of the state which span the early modern and modern periods. Comparing two different countries allows students to develop a greater appreciation of the nature of different challenges to the authority of the state and the similarities and contrasts between them. Students will study the challenges to authority of the state in 19th century Britain and Italy

The Britain course is a thematic study in breadth, which allows students to gain a broad understanding of the different forces for change acting upon Victorian Britain in the period. The historical skill specifically linked to this course is historical interpretation.

The Italy course is a chronological study in depth, which allows students to gain a deep understanding of how Italy evolved from a collection of states to one united nation-state. The historical skill specifically linked to this course is source analysis and evaluation.

Year 13 students will explore the ways in which Germany evolved as a new state in Europe undergoing dramatic changes of fortune, set within broader long-term social and economic developments. A dynamic empire ended in a brutal war and defeat; out of the ashes of imperial Germany, first a democratic republic and then an extraordinary dictatorship came into being, followed by dichotomous democracy and communist dictatorship and finally a new unity in 1990.

Hayesbrook students listening to Holocaust survivor Janine Webber. Sixth form students have also visited Berlin to experience History first hand.

All exams are sat, and coursework is submitted, in Year 13.

· Paper 1 - Britain 1785-1870: 30% of A Level, 2 hour 15 min examination

· Paper 2 - Italian Unification : 20% of A Level, 1 hour 30 min examination

· Paper 3 - Germany 1871-1990: 30% of A Level, 2 hour 15 min examination

· Independent investigation (coursework): 20% of A Level

Students will complete their assessed coursework on a topic provided by the school. The coursework will be between 4000 and 5000 words and will require the students to research and enquire independently. The skills developed through this will benefit students greatly at university.

We expect our Sixth Formers to have achieved at least a Grade 4 in both their English and Maths GCSEs, and at least 3 other qualifications at 4+ (or equivalent), in addition they need a GCSE 5 grade (or equivalent) in the subjects selected for post 16 studies.

Many university degree courses to choose from and higher level apprenticeships are linked to A level History. It is a very employable subject and it links well with most of the other post 16 options at Hayesbrook. Below are some of the jobs that people with qualifications in this subject gain employment in.

• Academic librarian.
• Archaeologist.
• Archivist.
• Broadcast journalist.
• Civil Service administrator.
• Editorial assistant.
• Information officer.