History (A Level)

History is a popular A Level course, delivered by experienced teachers who are passionate about the subject. The course is designed to enable the study of both modern and early modern history, providing historical breadth, with a focus on British and American history. Recent events such as the overturning of Roe v Wade and the Black Lives Matter movement make this course (which explores US politics and American civil rights movement) exceptionally relevant.

What you will learn

Studying History will help you to understand key concepts and ideas in the modern world. You will learn about the challenges to British colonialism in the War of Independence in America and the subsequent creation of the US constitution. In studying the Civil Rights unit, you will develop an understanding of the barriers different groups of people (such as African Americans and women) have faced to be more equal in the society in which they live. You will also analyse the extent to which those barriers were overcome by the 21st Century. The British history unit explores a tumultuous period in the 17th Century where the people went to war against their king, challenging the power of the monarch to help the development of democracy in Britain. By the end of the course you will find yourself a well-rounded learner, able to formulate opinions, defend them using evidence and present ideas in a sophisticated manner.

How you will learn

Studying A Level History means that you will investigate the past through a range of different mediums: accessing academic journals, podcasts, videos and contemporary source material. You will be encouraged to develop your independent learning skills, preparing for some lessons beforehand so that you can take part in lively debates within lessons. You will also learn research skills in preparation for your Independent Essay.

Year 1

Unit 1: The Early Stuarts and the English Civil War

• To what extent was James a good king of England?
• Was Charles I to blame for the outbreak of the Civil War?
• Why did the Parliamentarians win the Civil War?
• How successful was Cromwell’s ‘reign’?

Unit 2: The American Revolution:

• Why did the American Revolution take place?
• What enabled America to win the war?
• How did the early Republic look?

Introduction and Preparation for the Independent Topic Based essay

Year 2

Unit 3: Civil Rights in the USA, 1865-1992?

• How successfully were the civil rights of African Americans, women, native Americans and workers achieved in the time period?
• Completion of the Topic Based Essay
• Unit 1 and 2 Revision

Assessment 1. The Early Stuarts and the English Civil War, written examination, 1 hours 30 minutes, 25% of final grade.

• 1x Source evaluation question, based on four sources
• 1x Essay question (from a choice of 2 questions)

Assessment 2. The American Revolution, written examination, 1 hour, 15% of final grade.

• 1x Essay question (similar to Assessment 1)
• 1x Shorter question, explaining the importance of two key events.
• A choice of questions is given.

Assessment 3. Civil Rights in the USA (1865-1992), written examination, 2 hours 30 minutes, 40% of final grade.

• 1x Historical Interpretation Question
• 2x Thematic Essays (from a choice of 3 questions)

Assessment 4. Independent Essay, non-examined assessment, 20% of final grade

You will choose a title from a list of questions that will extend your knowledge beyond Units 1 & 2. You will complete additional research to find primary sources and interpretations, using them to write a 3,000-4000 word essay. The essay will be completed in class & independently.

College basic entry requirements

• Grade 6 or above in GCSE History

Where Next?

Its versatility as a subject means that A Level History helps students keep their career options open. History helps to equip you with skills that you will need in a range of careers and is a well- respected qualification, highly regarded by universities and employers alike. Students who take A Level History may go on to history related careers including historical researchers, archivists and working in heritage organisations. However, the subject also supports other career paths for example, journalism, law, politics and public services. Past Heathfield History students have applied for university courses in History, Archaeology, International Relations, Law, English Language and Politics

Course Combinations

A Level History provides students with a range of skills, it compliments many other subjects including: Politics, Sociology, English Literature/Language and Geography.