History AS/A Level 3

Applications Open: - 13th October 2025

Applications Close: - 18th November 2025

How to Apply: - Please apply directly to the school via our website www.twggs.kent.sch.uk. Follow the route 'Joining TWGGS', 'Joining The Sixth Form' to complete your application on Applicaa. For enquiries please contact admissions@twggs.kent.sch.uk.

We don't accept applications through Kent Choices.

Entry Requirements: - Entrance Criteria

Pupils entering the Sixth Form will be expected to have attained an average overall GCSE point score of at least 6 from their top 6 subjects. They must also achieve a minimum of a grade 5 in either English Language or Mathematics and a grade 4 in the other of English Language or Mathematics, and are usually expected to achieve at least a grade 7 in the subjects they wish to pursue at A level (or related subjects, as agreed by the school). In addition, pupils wishing to take Art or Design Technology will be expected to submit a portfolio of artwork and pupils wishing to take Music will be expected to have reached at least Grade 5 in their instrument or voice.

Offers will be made on the basis of predicted performance at GCSE, with the requirement that the above grades are achieved in the final examinations prior to entry to the Sixth Form and the pupil’s 3 or 4 chosen subjects being accommodated on the timetable, with no group size exceeding its maximum number of pupils.

All offers made during Year 11 are conditional on pupils meeting the grade criteria specified and will only become firm offers upon confirmation of actual GCSE results.

Exam Board: EDEXCEL

Pupils who study History develop skills of written and oral expression and research. They are able to use these skills to solve problems and consider the validity of differing views. By the end of the course they will have learned how to analyse information, how to evaluate evidence and how to communicate ideas effectively. These skills are valued by both employers and universities.

Many people choose History for the good reason that they enjoy it! Pupils who study History have access to a wide range of career and higher education opportunities. Careers which demand an element of historical study include teaching, conservation and archaeology. Careers where employers view History as a useful qualification include architecture, law, broadcasting, journalism, the performing arts, accounting and business management. It is not a requirement that pupils have studied History at GCSE in order to take the A Level.

COURSE DETAILS

History will be studied as a two year A Level course, with three examinations and a piece of coursework submitted by the end of the Upper Sixth. Pupils will study the two components of History simultaneously with one teacher covering the Early Modern Britain option and the other teacher covering the Modern World study. The non-examination assessment will be a personal study on Modern History.

Paper 1 - Russia 1917- 91: WEIGHTING 30%

A breadth study using knowledge and interpretations, covering the Russian Revolution, Lenin, Stalin, the era of the Cold War and the fall of the Soviet Union.

Paper 2- East Germany 1949- 90: WEIGHTING 20%

A depth study using knowledge and sources, covering the history of the German Democratic Republic including the division of Germany, the Wall and the fall of Communism.

Paper 3 - Rebellion and disorder under the Tudors 1485-1603: WEIGHTING 30%

A thematic study using knowledge and sources examining the nature of Tudor monarchy and government and the threat of key threats to the throne such as Perkin Warbeck, the Pilgrimage of Grace, Mary Queen of Scots and the Irish rebellion against Elizabeth I.

N.E.A. - Historical investigation (N.E.A.): WEIGHTING 20%

An investigation into interpretations of a key events in history such as the causes of the Second World War.

You could take this course to complement other advanced level courses or to prepare for the A2 part of an Advanced GCE in History, which could lead onto higher education in History or related subjects such as English, American Studies, Politics, Archaeology or more general courses. Careers which demand an element of historical study include teaching, conservation and archaeology. Careers where employers view History as a useful qualification include architecture, law, broadcasting, journalism, the performing arts, accounting and business management. With further training, you could go into a job related to History by seeking employment in areas of heritage such as working for a museum or within education teaching. You could also go straight into a job as the AS GCE is a recognised qualification that will help you develop the skills, understanding and knowledge that many employers across lots of industries are looking for.