History A Level 3
Oakwood Park Grammar School
Oakwood Park, MAIDSTONE, ME16 8AH
Available start dates
Available start dates
Application Instructions
For students applying from other schools please see the information below.
For existing students at OPGS - you will be applying internally and will receive separate instructions
Applications Open - 11th December 2025
Applications Close - 30th January 2026
Entry Requirements:-
Students achieving a minimum of at least six GCSEs (9 – 5) of which at least four are at a grade 6 (or equivalent).
In addition, students must meet subject entry requirements, which in most cases require a minimum of Grade 6 in the subject to be studied, or related subjects. Some subjects will require a grade 7 or higher. Please see school website (https://www.opgs.org) for entry requirements needed for individual A level subjects.
Students must also achieve a minimum of a grade 5 in English Language and Mathematics.
Typically, we would expect students following essay-based subjects to gain at least a grade 6 in English Language and students following scientific courses to gain at least a grade 7 in Mathematics.
The school shall determine which grades at 6 are required when A level subjects requested have not been taken at GCSE Level.
Priority will be given to existing pupils transferring from Year 11 who meet the entrance criteria
How to Apply
Students should select three or four A level subjects and include a 4th/5th as a reserve subjects. Please list your subjects in priority order and indicate which is your reserve choice.
Subject Choice
In choosing your subjects for A level you need to find out about the syllabus, examination requirements, coursework and the approach to study. Choose subjects that interest you and think carefully about the range and combination of subjects you would like to study. You may also wish to consider requirements for Higher Education or career paths.
Students should also note that the school cannot guarantee courses will run if there are not enough applicants. It is also possible that, in some subjects, numbers will have to be limited.
Course Summary
Linear - All exams will be taken at the end of Year 13.
Course Details
Year 12
Students will study one British period study for Unit 1 and one non-British period study for Unit 2.
The British topic is England 1445–1509: Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII, which will cover Edward IV, Richard III and Henry VII's rule in England, examining topics such as battles, patronage, opposition and the nobility. This also includes the sources Enquiry topic the Wars of the Roses 1445–1461 which examines the Outbreak of the Wars, the actions of Richard, Duke of York, war and his defeat. Students learn about the famous Princes in the Tower and about many aspects of government.
The European topic is Italy 1896–1943 and allows students to track the development of the country from reunification to the collapse of the Fascist regime during the Second World War. Students also learn about the impact of the First World War and the Peace Treaties, the rise of Mussolini, his creation of a dictatorship, propaganda and Italian alliance with the Axis powers.
Year 13
Students will study a thematic and interpretations study for Unit 3, which is Russia and its Rulers 1855–1964. This begins in the age of the Tsars, moving to the First World War's impact and the revolutions of 1917. Students also learn about the development of Communism and the USSR's role in the Cold War.
There is also the non-exam assessment which is a coursework essay on a topic of the student’s own choice – 3000-4000 words written in Year 13
How will it be delivered and assessed?
All exams in the summer of Year 13. Coursework completed by April of Year 13.
Assessment as follows:-
• British period study Unit 1 (25%)
• Non-British period study Unit 2 (15%)
• Thematic and interpretations study for Unit 3 (40%)
• Non-exam assessment: coursework essay (20%)
Entry requirements
Six 9-5 GCSE grades with at least four at grade 6
A minimum of a grade 5 in English Language and Mathematics
Grade 6 in GCSE History
Typically, we would expect students following essay-based subjects to gain at least a grade 6 in English Language and students following scientific courses to gain at least a grade 7 in Mathematics.
Your next steps...
History is an excellant way to access careers such as Law, Journalism. Local Government and the Civil Service.
tI also offers transferable skills fr the majority of professions
Additional information
For more courses like this, check our courses page.