A Level History

During the two years of A Level you will study the British Empire between 1857 and 1967 and The Cold War 1945-1991. We will be considering key questions such as how Britain came to assume such a vast Empire upon which the sun never set and why, having amassed such an immense Empire, Britain relinquished much of it in a 20 year period after the end of World War Two. You will study the key events in the expansion of the British Empire, the significance of individuals such as Cecil Rhodes and the impact of World War One and World War Two in the process of decolonisation.

5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above to include a grade 6 in English Language and/or Literature and grade 5 in mathematics. Ideally students will have a grade 6 in History. GCSE History, whilst very useful, is not a requirement. Students also need to be self-motivated and capable of carrying out independent research and wider reading. Above all you should be interested and willing to engage in the subject.

Units 1 and 2 are examined by two 2.5 hour exams at the end of the second year. Each of these exams is worth 40% of the A Level. The Historical Investigation comprises of an essay of 3000-3500 words. It is internally assessed and externally moderated. This is worth 20% of the A Level.