Why Study A-level History?
History is important for everyone: a society without history is like a person without memory. No other subject creates such debate and historical understanding is essential if we are to understand the present and avoid the mistakes of the past.
History is useful to you. You will build up an immense knowledge and understanding of all aspects of human societies in a variety of periods and places. You will learn about change and continuity and about cause and effect.
As every subject has a past, history will also help you with all your other A-levels.
What will I study? How will I be assessed?
Edexcel A-level History Specification 9HI0:
- Paper 1, Option 1F: In search of the American Dream: The USA, c1917-96.
- Paper 2, Option 2F.2: South Africa, 1948-1994: from apartheid state to 'rainbow nation'.
- Paper 3, Option 31: Rebellion and disorder under the Tudors, 1485-1603
- Coursework: Interpretations of the Holocaust.
- There will be regular visits to lectures, exhibitions and museums, as well as a residential field trip abroad to enhance your knowledge and understanding of the topics studied. Previous visits have been to Berlin and Krakow.
Units 1-3 are assessed by examination. Unit 4 consists of one coursework assignment of 3000 - 4000 words which analyses and evaluates historical interpretations on one topic.
What skills will I gain? Where can History lead?
- You will learn to read in-depth and to take effective notes
- You will interrogate and evaluate a range of contemporary and secondary source material
- You will learn to plan, organise and complete effective and well-argued essay answers
- You will engage with historical controversies and learn to analyse and evaluate conflicting historical interpretations
Your homework will encourage independent study and you will learn how to think - not what to think
History can lead you anywhere. History students do all types of courses and careers: from media, law, medicine and business to teaching, journalism and museum work.
It is a rigorous and respected academic discipline that is highly regarded by universities.