History A-Level

Our History A-Level is an exciting, engaging and rewarding subject. You will explore many topics, including the development and changes of modern Communist states in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, and develop key skills such as critical thinking and analytical writing.

Site

Lewes

Level

Level 3

Course Type

16 +

Qualification

A Level

Courses

Options Course Code Starts Ends
apply 03127y1 09/09/24 19/06/26

What will I study?

Over the next two years, you will explore a range of topics that will increase your knowledge base and develop a range of highly transferable skills.

One of the major topics you will study during the course is Communist regimes. This includes the regime in the USSR between the Revolution of 1917 right up until the end of the Cold War in 1991 and the regime in Communist China under Chairman Mao.

You will be studying challenging historical controversies, such as the reasons for the fall of the USSR or the rapid and tragic transformation of Chinese society during the 1950s and 60s.

There is one coursework unit when you will use secondary sources to examine the reasons behind Stalin's rise to power - when nobody else expected he would become leader.

You will also have the opportunity to explore the development of a democratic system of government in Britain in the nineteenth and early twentieth century. You will be looking at the forward-thinking Chartist movement and the radical Suffragettes, as well as considering the impact of the Trade Union Movement and the rise of the Labour Party.

What previous qualifications or experience do I need?

A GCSE grade 5 in English Language and grade 4 in History (if taken).,Our general entry requirements to study 3 A-Levels or any mixed level 3 programme are: 5 GCSEs grade 4-9 including English Language and/or Maths at grade 5. Subject specific entry criteria may also apply. Our general entry requirements to study 4 A-Levels are: 6 GCSEs grade 4-9 including English Language and Maths at grade 6. Subject specific entry criteria may also apply.

How will I be assessed?

Your History A-Level will be assessed through three exams at the end of your second year. Paper 1 will focus on Russia from 1917-1991: from Lenin to Yeltsin and will be worth 60 marks. Paper 2 will focus on Mao’s China from 1949-1976 and will be worth 40 marks. Paper 3 will focus on Parliamentary agitation and protest of 1780-1928 and will be worth 60 marks.

In addition, you will complete one piece of coursework marked out of 40 and is worth 20% of your final grade.

What qualification will I achieve?

Once you have completed this course, you will achieve an A-Level in History.

What can I do after completing this course?

As a facilitating subject, History combines well with other A-Levels, including Politics, Philosophy, English Literature, and Sociology, as well as modern languages. History is a sought after A-Level and can provide a pathway to most university courses and can provide a great range of skills for any career.

Are there any extra costs?

You will need to buy one textbook for the USSR and China topics. This costs approximately £30. In addition, you will need another textbook for the Britain paper which costs around £18. There may be additional costs for any trips.