History (Early Modern) A Level

Applications Open - 1st November 2025

Applications Close - 15th December 2025

Entry Requirements - Candidates are required to obtain a minimum of 35 points from their best six GCSE subjects or equivalent (in the view of the School).

• Points will be on a 1-9 point scale, where Grade 1=1 and 2=2 etc.

• Candidates must also obtain at least a Grade 5 in English and Maths at GCSE or equivalent (in the view of the School).

Candidates must meet the specific requirements for each A Level course they wish to study as published in the 2025 Sixth Form Prospectus, which will be available on the website.

How to Apply - Do not apply through Kent Choices. Please apply via Cranbrook School Website using the following link: https://www.cranbrookschool.co.uk/admissions/sixth-form-admissions/

In the narrowest sense, History is not a vocational subject. Unless you wish to teach, to write history, to work as an archivist, journalist or museum curator, it is unlikely that your knowledge of the subject will ever provide your bread and butter. However, this is not to say that History is not a valuable, sometimes indispensable qualification for a far broader range of careers. It is difficult to imagine a successful lawyer, diplomat, civil servant or politician, who lacks a considerable understanding of the subject. Moreover, the logical thinking and ability to communicate ideas that a study of history develops are obviously relevant in all management or employment situations. And the critical, informed decision making required by the modern citizen is practised in virtually every history lesson.

History is seen by many as the broadest subject on the humanities side, providing a natural combination with Economics, Politics, Languages, English, Geography and Art History. Yet combinations with Science and Mathematics, A/AS Levels could be equally stimulating, providing a wonderful opportunity to apply the thinking skills of the former to historical enquiry into the feelings and situations of people in the past.

If you're curious about the past, enjoy reading, discussing ideas and coming to your own personal opinions, the study of History at a higher level may be for you.

At AS level the Early Modern course contains both English and European history elements centring on the period of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. In common with the Later Modern course there are two examined papers in the first year, followed by one examination and one coursework paper.

The course consists of: AS History (studied in year 12)

• Unit 1: England 1509-1603: authority, nation and religion
• Unit 2: Luther and the German Reformation c1515-55 A2 History
• Unit3: Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII, 1399-1509
• Unit 4: Coursework on the European Witchcraze c1580-1650

Minimum Grade 6 in GCSE History

The course will also help you develop the skills, understanding and knowledge that many employers across lots of industries are looking for.

You could take this course to complement other advanced level courses or to prepare for higher education in History or related subjects such as English, American Studies, Politics, Archaeology or more general courses.

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 such as a teacher.