What is it about?
This qualification is designed to foster the development of critical and reflective thinking with an understanding of historical topics and issues; and to encourage an awareness of the importance of historical awareness in explaining contemporary issues.
The main purpose of this qualification is to prepare learners 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 will I be studying?
- Anglo-Saxon England and the Norman Conquest 1035–1107
- Democracy and Dictatorships in Germany 1919–1963
- Civil Rights in the USA 1865–1992
What skills will I learn?
- improve as effective and independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers with curious and enquiring minds
- develop the ability to ask relevant and significant questions about the past and to research them
- acquire an understanding of the nature of historical study, for example that history is concerned with judgements based on available evidence and that historical judgements are provisional
- develop their use and understanding of historical terms, concepts and skills
- make links and draw comparisons within and/or across different periods and aspects of the past
- organise and communicate their historical knowledge and understanding in different ways, arguing a case and reaching substantiated judgements
How will I be assessed?
3 external examinations at the end of the course.
One topic-based essay which is internally assessed and externally moderated.
Where might it lead me?
The skills gained from studying history can lead to a wide-range of careers and university course in the following areas:-
- History
- Law
- Politics
- Archaeology
- Economics
- Marketing
- English language and literature
- Sociology
Who can I ask for more information about this subject?
Miss Morris and Mrs York on the second floor in the humanities department.
Where can find more information about A level History?
The OCR website www.ocr.org.uk gives further details of the A level specification.
Are there any specific subject requirements?
In line with Academy expectations.