History - A Level

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Qualification:  A Level History

Exam Board:  Edexcel

A Level History is a fascinating and thought-provoking course that explores the events, people and ideas that have shaped the world we live in today. You will investigate key historical periods and controversies, analyse a range of sources and interpretations, and develop the ability to construct well-supported arguments. The course encourages critical thinking, independent research and effective communication, making it an excellent choice for students interested in law, politics, journalism, education and a wide range of humanities-based degrees and careers.

Course Content

This course will help you to;

  • Develop the ability to think critically while developing skills in source analysis and essay-writing.
  • Challenge historical evidence and interpretations to reach you own judgments.
  • Explore how the past has shaped the world today.
  • Develop the capacity to absorb, manage, and order a large amount of information.

You will investigate the history of three countries through their developments in society and politics. This course will pose challenging questions about the role of the state which are very relevant in our world today.

Paper 1: Russia 1917-1991: from Lenin  to Yeltsin  

This paper is a breadth study with aspects  in depth covering the whole history of  communist rule in Russia and the Soviet  Union and key turning points, from the  Bolshevik seizure of power in November  1917 to the collapse of communist rule and  the break-up of the Soviet Union in 1991. How were the Romanovs dynasty removed  from power? How successfully did the state  control the people? How did communist rule  improve the lives of the people?  

Paper 2: The German Democratic  Republic 1949-1990  

Starting after the end of World War Two this  paper covers the history of a very unusual  central European state, the communist  German Democratic Republic (GDR),  which existed in the years 1949 to 1990. 

This unit offers students the opportunity to  study key changes in the history of the East  German state from the formation of the  GDR in 1949, through changes in the  political, economic and social aspects of life  to the collapse of the state in 1990. This  course enables students to be able to make  clear comparisons between the nature of  society and politics in both the Russian and  German states.  

Paper 3: Poverty, Public health and the state in Britain, c1780-1939 

This breadth study gives students the opportunity to explore two of the major social  problems that arose in Britain from  industrialisation and urbanisation: poverty and public health, and the ways in which the  state gradually took control of the situation,  involving a considerable change in attitudes amongst the general public. Students will study the impact of key individuals such as  writer Charles Dickens, reformers Seebohm Rowntree as well as significant events in society and politics in the 18th-20th centuries  including outbreaks of cholera, the Jarrow  Marches and the Great Depression that have shaped our approach to the welfare state  today.  

Coursework unit: 

Students will explore and research interpretations on areas of debate amongst historians. Students will be given a choice of  essay questions. The unit aims to allow students to explore an issue of interest in  depth to produce a coherent essay of 3000- 4000 words.

Assessment

80% examination over three papers and  20% coursework.

All examinations are in the summer term of Year 13.

Entry Requirements

  • All students who plan to study an A-level only pathway need to have at least five grades 9-5.
  • We require you to have at least a grade 6 in History GCSE.
  • If you have not studied History at GCSE, we require you to have a 6 grade for English Literature and Language at GCSE.
  • Potential students are encouraged to consider that this is an  essay-based subject, which requires wider reading and research.

Extra Curricular Opportunities

• Essay writing competitions

• Guest speakers

• Theatre trips

Progression Post 18

• Provides vital skills for further study at university in a variety of related subjects.

• Pairs well with other essay-based subjects like Politics and English.

Careers

• Regarded as a strong academic subject by employers and universities.

• Leads to a variety of careers including Law, Journalism, Civil Service, Management, and Teaching.

• Develops persuasive communication and reasoning skills.

What our students say about this course

Year 13 student

"I study History, Politics and English at A level and am hopefully going to Sheffield University to study History and Politics next year.

I decided to study at Coombe Sixth Form because of the supportive environment and the friendly and inspirational teachers. Coombe offers loads of opportunities during Sixth Form, such as leadership roles and the Extended Project Qualifications - which I would highly recommend."

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