Our A Level History qualification is designed to help students understand the significance of historical events, the role of individuals in history and the nature of change over time. 

Studying History will help you develop your analytical skills and ability to construct an argument, as well as giving you an understanding of how events have shaped Britain in the last century, and a knowledge of the wider world. The course will help you develop your own opinions and to formulate well-reasoned arguments. You will learn how to critically appraise a historical source and will be able to research an area of History which you have an interest in. With an emphasis on written communication, personal research and discussion, History A Level will help you develop a range of important skills for the future. 

Students will cover a variety of units in Component 1 and Component 2 which will add breadth and depth to their knowledge base.

 

Course Content 

Component 1: Breadth Study - Tsarist and Communist Russia, 1855–1964 (1H)

This option allows students to study in breadth issues of change, continuity, cause and consequence in this period through the following key questions:
• How was Russia governed and how did political authority change and develop?
• Why did opposition develop and how effective was it?
• How and with what results did the economy develop and change?
• What was the extent of social and cultural change?
• How important were ideas and ideology?
• How important was the role of individuals and groups and how were they affected by developments?

The unit will look at the last three Tsars of Russia, and compare their rule with the first three Communist leaders.

Component 2: Depth Study - The Wars of the Roses, 1450-1499 (2B)

This option provides for the study in depth of a period in which the English monarchy suffered instability and the country was subjected to a range of political, economic and social pressures. It develops concepts such as authority, hierarchy, faction and legitimacy. It also encourages students to reflect on the sources of power within a state, causes of political breakdown and the impact of
dynastic instability on the ‘common people’.

The unit will look at the reasons for and consequences of the fall of the House of Lancaster, and the rise and fall of the House of York.

Component 3: Historical investigation (20%)

Students will be required to submit a Historical Investigation of their choice based on a development or issue which has been subject to different historical interpretations. 3500-4500 words. Centre assessed by your teacher.

Promotional Video

 

Assessment

Component 1: Breadth Study (40 %):  Exam – 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Component 2: Depth Study (40%):  Exam – 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Component 3: Historical investigation (20%): Assessed internally by your teacher.

 

Progression

There are a vast amount of undergraduate courses available to students who study A Level History, for example;

• Ancient History BA (Hons) - University of Kent
• History and Politics BA (Hons) - University of Loughborough
• Classical and Archaeological Studies BA (Hons) - University of Kent
• History and International Relations  BA (Hons) - University of Loughborough
• History, Literature and Culture BA (Hons) - University of Brighton
• History with English BA (Hons) - University of Plymouth 
• Military History BA (Hons) - University of Kent.

 

Jobs available to those with a History degree may include

• Academic researcher
• Archivist
• Heritage manager
• Historic buildings inspector/conservation officer
• Museum education officer
• Museum/gallery curator
• Museum/gallery exhibitions officer
• Secondary school teacher.

 

Jobs where your degree would be useful include:

• Academic librarian
• Archaeologist
• Broadcast journalist
• Civil Service administrator
• Editorial assistant
• Human resources officer
• Information officer
• Marketing executive
• Policy officer
• Politician's assistant
• Solicitor
• Talent agent.

 

History graduates are employed by a wide range of organisations including heritage organisations, museums and libraries. Other typical employers include:

• Accountancy firms
• Archive and records offices
• Banks
• Sharities
• Higher education institutions (HEIs)
• International development organisations
• Law firms
• Management consultancies
• Publishing companies
• Retailers
• Schools
• Television and radio broadcasters

National and local government and the public services also attract history graduates, particularly the civil service (with some graduates applying to the Civil Service Fast Stream), NHS management, the police and armed services.

 

Entry Requirements

In order to attend Meopham Sixth Form the minimum entry requirement is 5 level 4 GCSEs, including English and Maths.

To study A Level History students are required to achieve a minimum of a Level 6 in GSCE History.

Each application for the courses will be assessed on an individual basis, we encourage applicants who are predicted a level 5 to still apply.