History A Level

Applications Open: - Monday 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: - Thursday 20th August 2026.

General Sixth Form Entry Requirements: - Minimum 4 GCSE passes at Grade 4 and above to study BTEC or vocational courses; 5 GCSE passes at 4 and above to study A level/BTEC combination; 5 GCSE's at Grades 5 and above to study straight A Levels.

*Please note there may be subject specific entry requirements which also need to be met.

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices. Applications via email will not be accepted.

A level History

AQA

This is a two year programme of study. The three units that students study across years 12 and 13 are a depth study of the Wars of the Roses 1445-1509: Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VIII. As well as a breadth study on The Making of Superpower, the USA 1865-1975 with a focus on political tension and division, economic change and development and social development as well as foreign affairs and domestic presidential policy across the period. They will also study towards the completion of an NEA. The specialist teachers in the department do make occasional changes to the selection of units of study, according to their own on-going historical research interests, and also the feedback provided by students.

Both components are assessed by examination in May/June of Y13.

40% - Component 1 (The Making of a Superpower, breadth study). The examination paper has two sections; A and B. Students will be required to answer 2 questions, a compulsory question in section A and choice of two questions from section B with a focus on historical knowledge from the period of study.

40% - Component 2 (The Wars of the Roses, depth study) is 40%. The examination paper also has two sections; A and B. Students will be required to answer 2 questions, a compulsory question on sources in section A and choice of two questions from section B with a focus on historical knowledge from the period of study.

20% Independent Essay (NEA) - One coursework question based on a topic chosen by the teacher and student.

Five GCSE 9-4 grades or equivalent, including English Language and History.

Students not taking GCSE History would be welcome to apply but should discuss this with the Head of Humanities who will consider their application and advise on alternative entry requirements.

History is a highly regarded academic subject in the wider world of higher education and employment. Successful history students will possess valuable background knowledge to current affairs. Just as importantly, they will have developed the skills which are so highly prized in employment e.g. in research, analysis of sources and data, and then constructing a well-evidenced argument.

Some students each year will proceed to go and take History degrees at University. This is always pleasing, but it is equally satisfying that most students will use history as a stepping stone to many other degree courses and employment opportunities, especially in related fields such as Law, Journalism, Politics, Economics and Business Studies, International Relations, History of Art, Languages, Social Studies, Police and Armed Forces. Some students have also successfully combined it with Mathematics or Science subjects to go on to careers in Medicine, Veterinary Science or Engineering. It is really a passport to success in any future area of work or study.