History A Level

Sixth Form Open Evening- Wednesday 5th November 5-7pm

Applications Open - Now!

Applications Close - End of Term 4 2026. Please contact Mrs Silvester if you would like to apply after this date (lucy.silvester@swale.at)

Entry Requirements: - Generally 5 grade 5s or above in GCSE, including English and Maths but some subjects do vary.

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

Students who study history are fearless explorers of the past. They investigate past politics, societies, cultures, languages, health, art, education, money, conflicts and more, look at how things have developed over time and connect the dots to understand how we got where we are today. In A Level History, students will systematically and critically analyse two depth studies and lead their own historical investigation, developing an understanding of development over time, and an appreciation of the culture and attitudes of societies other than our own.

Students will study The Crusader Era. The Crusades were a series of military expeditions made by Western Christians seeking to free the Holy Land from Muslim domination. Extending over three centuries, they attracted every social class in central Europe. The motives of those who took up the cause of the cross were mixed: some sought to enrich themselves, others were seeking adventure, many were moved by faith alone. Legend and literature have surrounded the Crusades with an aura of romance and grandeur, of chivalry and courage which is only remotely related to reality.

Along with this, students will also immerse themselves into a depth study of the English Revolution and the challenges faced by those in authority in the years before, during and after the English Civil War. This is one of the most dramatic periods in English history, the echoes from which are still heard today. Every year we celebrate Bonfire Night but on reflection the attempt to burn down Parliament was a minor moment from this period. Civil war, regicide, the abolition of monarchy, the ascension of parliament, Oliver Cromwell and the Protectorate, the Restoration; this was not a quiet period of history!

The course also includes a coursework element, in which students investigate an aspect of History within a 100-year time span that they find interesting and complete and independent investigation.

The course is assessed through 80% examination and 20% coursework. Component 1 and 2 are examined separately in a 2 hour 30-minute exam. The non-examined assessment (coursework element) is marked by the teacher and is worth 20% of the final grade

In addition to the general requirements for entry onto A level courses, students will require a Grade 5 in history GCSE.

Skills acquired through a history course are well sought after by a variety of employers due to the critical thinking, analytical nature and evaluative skills the subject develop. Possible career opportunities include being a teacher, museum curator, excavator, researcher, barrister, various television roles, author, journalist, archaeologist and many more. You will also need a history A Level in order to study the subject at university.