History - A Level
What does the course aim to do?
To give the student a sound knowledge and understanding of the periods studied. To introduce students to the range of methods available in seeking to understand the past and to increase their appreciation of the nature of historical interpretation.
What will I be studying?
You will be required to follow both British and non-British content. This will be delivered through 3 modules taught across two years.
Unit 1 – Challenge and Transformation in Britain, c.1851-1964
Unit 2 – The Cold War, c1945-1991
Unit 3- The Witchcraze of the 16th and 17th centuries
How will I be assessed?
Unit 1 – Examination: 2 hours 30 minutes
Tests understanding of change over time
3 questions (1 compulsory)
40% of A-Level
Unit 2 – Examination: 2 hours 30 minutes
Tests understanding of a period in depth
3 questions (1 compulsory)
40% of A-Level
Unit 3 – Non-examined assessment
Coursework approximately 3,500 words
20% of A-Level
Am I suited to this subject?
You should have a basic interest in the past and be keen to evaluate and interpret historical evidence and to present clear, concise, logical and relevant arguments in essay form.
Where will it lead in the future?
History is an excellent qualification for Arts and Social Science degrees in higher education. The skills of analysis, problem solving and clear presentation have a wide career currency. A-Level History students have gone on to a range of careers including the legal profession, teaching, heritage management and marketing, archaeology, management consultancy, theatre and film work among others.
How will I study?
The course is taught through: class lectures, papers presented by students on selected topics, seminars, private study/reading, essay writing – an essay is normally set about every 2-3 weeks-, study of documents.
What will I need to do myself?
Essay writing will form a core of the work you undertake and independent research as well as private notes taken from varied sources will support your studies.
Why should I come to Canon Slade to study History?
The teaching is carried out by experienced and successful staff as evidenced by our outstanding results as shown in the table below. The department’s value added was recognised as being outstanding by Advanced Level Performance Systems, which compares us to similar schools nationally. This results in the great majority of our students achieving or exceeding their target grades. We are fortunate to have a very strong team of History teachers in the department who work together effectively to deliver this fascinating course.
