What is needed to study history at Post 16?

It is not essential to have studied history at GCSE although this is an advantage. Any student choosing to take A level history will be expected to have at least a grade 5 in GCSE history if studied, and a grade 5 in GCSE english or english literature.

What does the course involve?

The course studied follows the AQA examination board and covers a British Empire breadth study and a modern American depth study. The Non-Examined component (NEA) is an extended piece of work on British involvement in the trade in enslaved African people.

There are three main components to the course:

• Component One: The British Empire, c. 1857-1967
• Component Two: The American Dream: Reality Dream & Illusion 1945-1980 
• Component Three: An extended piece of independently researched work based around the theme of British involvement in the trade in enslaved african people c.1680-1833. Students are able to select specific questions according to their area of interest

How is the course assessed?

A level examination (in year 13)

• Component one: The British Empire, c. 1857-1967. Written Paper 2 hours 30 minutes (40% of A level)
• Component two: The American Dream: Reality Dream & Illusion 1945-1980. Written Paper 2 hours 30 minutes (40% of A level)
• Component three: A personal Study: a maximum of 4,500 words on British involvement in the trade in enslaved african people (20% of A level)

What would I be able to do with an A level in history?

History is a broad subject which develops a range of transferable skills that are highly valued by leading employers and higher education institutions. Historians are found in many of Britain’s leading firms and institutions, where their skills of analysis, synthesis, argument and rational presentation are highly sought after. The broad nature of the subject compliments a range of other disciplines including english, business and economics, politics and international relations and the social sciences. History is particularly highly valued by employers in the areas of law, journalism, broadcasting, archaeology and business.