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History

Introduction

History A-level students complete AQA History A-level. This comprises of two papers a breadth and depth paper. The Breadth paper tests students’ understanding of historical interpretation whilst the Depth examines student’s evaluation of primary sources within their context. Students will also complete an historical investigation, designed to prepare students for undergraduate study. The Historical investigation is an independent enquiry. The students are required to write a 3,500 piece that evaluates primary sources and a range of interpretations by academic historians.

History is a very popular A-Level choice which is highly respected by all universities because it gives you the knowledge and skills necessary for higher education and which are also useful in any career. Students who specialise in history can go on to become historical researchers and teachers however history also supports other career paths like journalism, politics, economics, law, social work and public services.

We study AQA GCE History

  • Component 1: Breadth study: The quest for political stability: Germany, 1871–1991
  • Component 2: Depth study: The English Revolution 1626-1660
  • Component 3: British Rule of India 1957-1947: To what extent was Nationalism the cause of the decline of the British Empire?

AS Level: Two exams on component 1 and 2 (50% each.) of AS qualification.

Each exam has a similar format and are 1 ½ hours. A compulsory source question is section A while section B is a choice of one from 2 essays.  In the Breadth exam the source question tests historical interpretation while in the Depth exam primary sources are evaluated within their context. Each essay question is worth 25 marks.

A2 Level: Two exams on component 1 and 2 (40% of A- Level Qualification) and a Historical Investigation (20% of A-Level Qualification.

Each exam has a similar format and are 2 ½ hours. A compulsory source question is section A while section B is a choice of 2 out of 3 essays. In the Breadth exam the source question tests historical interpretation while in the Depth exam primary sources are evaluated within their context. Each essay question is worth 25 marks.

The Historical investigation is an independent enquiry based upon a taught course of study. The students are required to write a 3,500 piece that evaluates primary sources and a range of interpretations by academic historians.