Other Courses

History A Level

Herne Bay High School

Herne Bay High School, Bullockstone Road, HERNE BAY, Kent, CT6 7NS

GCE A/AS Level or Equivalent

Level 3

Available start dates

Friday, 04 September 2026

Herne Bay High School

2 Year(s)

Full time

Daytime/working hours

There may be a charge for trips or visits etc

Application Instructions

Applications Open - 20 November 2025 at 8am

Applications Close - 6 February 2026 at 15:00 (Except Beauty L2 which closes on the 22nd May).

General Entry Requirements:

Our level 3 Sixth Form entry requirements are five GCSEs at Grades 9-4 including Maths and English minimum Grade 4. However, please read the course information, which, provides specific details of course content and entry requirements.

For level 2 courses please read the course information.

Subjects: -

Level 3 - Enter your choices in order of preference for Level 3 courses. Students need to select the equivalent of 3 courses (Triple counts as 3), with 2 reserve options if selecting Level 3 courses. Year 12 are expected to study the equivalent of three subjects. Once we close to applicants on the 6 February the options selected will be reviewed and if required we will be in contact.

Level 2 - just add the course required, eg beauty, finance or fitness. However, please look up all entry requirements for individual subjects as some subjects require specific subjects and grades.

Timetable Blocks- Please read carefully: Level 3 Courses Please select 3 subjects and 2 reserve subjects by placing them in a ranked order/ or a Pathway. Once applications close we will review all subjects requested and may be in contact at this time to discuss your chosen subjects further.

Additional optional qualifications such as Arts Award (Gold),Core Maths, Further Maths and the EPQ are not applied for at the Kent Choice stage further information will be provided in the 6th Form induction if you would like to undertake this course in addition to your core qualifications.

How to Apply - Via Kent Choices or through link on our website https://www.hernebayhigh.org/sixth-form/how-to-apply

Further Information: We reserve the right to withdraw courses if insufficient numbers are attracted.

Any queries, please contact 6form@hernebayhigh.org

Course Summary

This course offers breadth and scope for students to investigate topics on both European and American History. In Year 13, students are able to choose an area of history that they have a particular interest in and produce a quality piece of coursework to accompany the examination modules. This Historical Investigation allows students to research a wide range of media including texts, feature films, archive footage and historical journals. You will need to be prepared to read widely and work hard on your own initiative, as such, a genuine interest in history is a prerequisite for this course. In addition, you will need to be willing to discuss your ideas with others in the group.

Course Details

Essay writing, historical research and presentation skills. English and European History. We encourage all students to undertake work experience within the History sector, for example at the National Archives and British Library in London, the Kent Archives in Maidstone, the British Museum in London and the National Holocaust Museum in Newark.

How will it be delivered and assessed?

The Making of a Superpower USA 1865-1975: This unit examines how the USA became a superpower following the devastating Civil War. It explores the era of Reconstruction and how America came back together after a divisive civil war, the era of progressivism and populism up to the 1920s and the crisis of WWII that led to its rise as a world power up to 1975. Students will study in breadth issues of change, continuity, and cause and consequence in this period of American history through key questions. Political, economic and social change will be studied in detail to allow all students to understand and make key connections. Assessment is through examination.

The War of the Roses, 1450 -1499: This unit is an in-depth study of how, in the 15th century, the English monarchy was torn apart by disputes over which branch of the royal family, the House of Lancaster or the House of York, should govern the country. Students will explore the turbulent years of civil war between Yorkist and Lancastrian factions. The reign of Richard III, the story of the princes in the tower and the triumph of Henry Tudor will all be examined. Assessment is through examination. Historical Investigation - Students will produce a piece of extended writing. This will be based around historical research from a

range of options. This will be carried out May - December.

Entry requirements

2 Year Course – Normally 5 GCSE grades in the range of 9-4, including Maths minimum Grade 4, English minimum grade 5 and History at minimum Grade 5

Your next steps...

History provides an excellent foundation for a number of popular careers including journalism, law, tourism, PR, archaeology and business. The ability to process information and analyse viewpoints and opinions are key skills which transfer into so many occupations as well as providing excellent preparation for a variety of university and further education courses

Additional information

https://www.hernebayhigh.org/sixth-form

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