History A Level

Applications Open: 12th December 2025

Applications Close: 30th January 2026

Entry Requirements: Grade requirements: A minimum of 48 points from your best 8 GCSE grades with no less than a Grade 5 in all subjects taken. Certain subjects have additional specific entry requirements. Information on these can be found in the online prospectus.

How to apply: Applications should be made directly to the School via Applicaa which will be available from the Sixth Form area of the School's website.

https://twgsb.org.uk/sixth-form/sixth-form-admissions/applying-to-twgsb6

Please DO NOT apply via Kent Choices.

The A-Level History course allows students to develop a deepened historical knowledge and understanding of a number of pivotal periods and events that have shaped the world we live in today. The course will enable you to develop transferable skills including, critically evaluating evidence, researching and using historical documents, producing reasoned and thoughtful arguments, presentation and interpersonal skills.

Unit

Outline

A-Level

1

Breadth study with interpretations:

Russia, 1917-1991: from Lenin to Yeltsin

Students will study the Bolshevik rise to power and the maintenance of Communist control from Lenin to Brezhnev. The final question will assess different interpretations of the decline and end of the Soviet Union under Gorbachev.

30%

2

Depth Study: Mao’s China: 1949-1976

An in-depth study of Mao’s China from the end of WW2 until his death. Students will be required to complete both a depth essay as well as a source based question.

20%

3

Themes in breadth with aspects in depth:

The Experience of Warfare, 1790-1918

Students will investigate the changing nature and experience of warfare from the Napoleonic wars to end of WWI. This exam will involve two essays focused on depth and breadth as well as a source based question.

30%

4

Interpretations of Appeasement during the 1930s. Coursework: Students complete an independently researched enquiry on historical interpretations. This unit requires students to complete a 3000-4000 word essay.

20%

All exams take place at the end of Year 13

Unit

Outline

A-Level

1

Breadth study with interpretations:

Russia, 1917-1991: from Lenin to Yeltsin

Students will study the Bolshevik rise to power and the maintenance of Communist control from Lenin to Brezhnev. The final question will assess different interpretations of the decline and end of the Soviet Union under Gorbachev.

30%

2

Depth Study: Mao’s China: 1949-1976

An in-depth study of Mao’s China from the end of WW2 until his death. Students will be required to complete both a depth essay as well as a source based question.

20%

3

Themes in breadth with aspects in depth:

The Experience of Warfare, 1790-1918

Students will investigate the changing nature and experience of warfare from the Napoleonic wars to end of WWI. This exam will involve two essays focused on depth and breadth as well as a source based question.

30%

4

Interpretations of Appeasement during the 1930s. Coursework: Students complete an independently researched enquiry on historical interpretations. This unit requires students to complete a 3000-4000 word essay.

20%

GCSE History grade 6

• The Department has a successful track record of students proceeding to study History, Politics or International Relations at University. A number of students have gone on to study the subject at Oxbridge.
• We provide specific guidance to students applying for History and develop important skills outside the classroom through the Debating Society, extensive reading lists and a wide range of books that help students to investigate Historical periods outside of the curriculum.

The Department also provides advice for those students who require extra support for any applications to higher education