A Level History

“History has given me a deeper understanding of the world today”

“I really like History as it allows me to use reasoning to get my points across which I find very useful in my personal life and in application to other subjects”

“History at A Level has inspired me to pursue the subject at degree level”

Why study History?

History equips students with the knowledge and skills required to understand the complexities of the past which they can use in relation to the world we live in today. Here are just a few reasons for why you should study History:

• Develop your interest and enthusiasm for history and understand its intrinsic value and significance

• Understanding and appreciate different identities within society and the diversity of communities through history

• Study a broad range of topics

• Improve as effective and independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers

• To ask relevant and significant questions about the past and how to research them

• Develop use of historical terms, concepts and skills

• Acquire an understanding of the nature of historical study

• Make links and draw comparisons within and across time periods and aspects of the past

• Build your writing skills

• Provide you with a more informed understanding of the world today by encouraging an understanding of the importance of historical awareness in explaining contemporary issues

The course also prepares students by providing a suitable foundation for the study of history or related courses in higher education. A further purpose of this qualification is to prepare learners intending to pursue careers or further study in History, or as part of a general education.

What topics do I study?

Students will study the following modules in OCR A Level History:

British period study and enquiry: Britain 1930-1997 (Enquiry: Churchill 1930-51) 1hr30 exam, 50 marks, 25% of A Level

Non-British period study: The USA in the 19th century: Westward expansion and Civil War 1803-1890 1hr exam, 30 marks, 15% of A Level

Thematic study and historical interpretations: Popular culture and the Witchcraze of the 16th and 17th centuries 2hr30 exam, 80 marks, 40% of A Level

Topic based essay: 3,000- 4,000 word essay Non exam assessment, 40 marks, 20% of A Level

Where can History take me?

Skills for your CV: strong analytical and communication skills; oral and written skill; put together a logical argument; critical thinking; gathering, investigating and assessing material; cross-referencing sources of information; interest in culture and current affairs.

Careers: History gives you the skills required for any career. Some in particular are: historian; teacher; business; finance; HR; law; politics; museum and art gallery curators; researchers and archivists; civil service; journalism.