Edexcel A Level

Why study History? 

History is about people – how they lived, decisions they made, their beliefs and values. By studying what has happened in the past we gain a perspective on the present and a deeper understanding of current conflicts, governments and power struggles. It is as varied and fascinating as human nature itself.

The skills it helps to foster include those of comprehension and analysis. Historians are clear thinkers who can judge the relevant, write concisely and present informed arguments. Such skills are valuable in many jobs but are particularly pertinent to law, journalism, the media and the Civil Service.

What will I study?

You will study the Edexcel Route C: Revolutions in early modern and modern Europe.

In paper one you will study Britain, 1625-1701: conflict, revolution and settlement. This is a study in breadth in which you will learn about the key features of monarchical and republican rule in Britain in the seventeenth century while looking the broader social, economic and religious changes. The paper also contains a study in depth of historical interpretations about the Glorious Revolution of 1688-89.

Paper 2 is the depth study about Russia 1894-1924. In this paper you will gain an understanding of the revolutionary activity in Russia in the years 1894 to 1917, the response of the successive governments to opposition to their rule and the reasons for the Bolsheviks being able to successfully consolidate their power in the October 1917 revolution.

In Year 13 coursework will be written and you will study another examined unit Civil Rights and race relations in the USA, 1850-2009. In this course you will consider how developments have shaped contemporary America and remain a fundamental issue in US society starting with a period where millions of black Americans were in slavery and ending with Barack Obama as president.

How will I study?

Lessons are a mixture of discussion, group work and independent work. The majority of the learning is written but there will also be opportunities for presentations, visiting any relevant museums for exhibitions on topics studied and the A level History conferences where we go to a series of lectures by well-known university professors.

How will my work be assessed?

In A level all three units are examined, paper one is worth 30%, paper two is worth 20%, paper three is worth 30% and the coursework is worth 20%.

What are the entry requirements?

Historty GCSE Grade 6 or above