History A Level
Course Overview
Just as history has made our world what it is, history can also be a key part of your future. Learn how studying history informs the present and gives you the skills you need to prepare for the future. Our A Level History course provides students with an interesting and challenging course that helps us understand the modern world and develops highly valued employability skills.
Over the two-year course, you will complete four units.
- The key political changes experienced in a unified Germany (1918-45) and then in West Germany (1945-89), and the impact of these changes.
- The rise and fall of fascism in Italy (1911–46) - the turbulent years in that saw the collapse of the liberal state, the creation of a fascist dictatorship and a return to democracy.
- The British experience of warfare (c1790–1918) - Britain’s involvement in major overseas conflicts and the changing relationship between the state and the people.
- The Cold War – this coursework unit focusses on either the Vietnam War or the end of the Cold War. Both events still have a profound impact on the modern world.
Course Components
Year 1 Components
- Germany and West Germany, 1918-1989
- The rise and fall of fascism in Italy, 1911-1946
Year 2 Components
- The British experience of warfare, C1790-1918
- Coursework: The work of the historian, looking at either why the Americans failed in Vietnam or why the Cold War ended.
Key Info
Minimum Entry Requirements
Five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including:
- GCSE grade 6 in History
- Or GCSE grade 6 in English Literature or English Language if History not studied at GCSE
Assessment
- 80% Exam
- 20% Coursework
- Exam Board: Edexcel
Subject Lead
Miss Z Quinton
Why Choose this Course?
- History is both interesting and useful! As a history student, you will never experience the events that you study; instead you must build up a picture from the evidence that has been left.
- Historians are trained to look for bias and prejudice in all the evidence they study. Imagine believing everything you read in the papers, or believing every statement that politicians make! History helps you to decide if you trust what they say.
- You will learn about countries, societies, and cultures. So many of today’s conflicts have their roots in the past; how can you understand, trade successfully with, or report on a country if you know nothing of its culture or history?
Skills You Gain
History is very practical and teaches you vital skills that employers want because it involves:
- Learning to locate and sift facts – in today’s Internet based, information overloaded world, employers really appreciate someone who can sift through the evidence to find the vital information.
- Handling evidence to make informed decisions – to identify truth and recognise myth, propaganda and downright lies (useful in every aspect of life!)
- Communicating your ideas and thoughts in a way that makes sense to others and having the confidence to defend your findings.
After Northgate
- History is a well-regarded A Level that is suitable for those interested in further education in many subjects, including Law and Politics and can contribute to careers in archaeology, business, economics, local government, journalism, publishing, the civil service, tourism and our thriving heritage industry.
- The Telegraph newspaper ranks History as one of the top ten subjects for employability. Around 60% of graduate jobs are open to students of any discipline and History students are well-equipped with the advanced skills and confidence to thrive in a variety of occupations.
"An innovative and challenging course with a fun, friendly and supportive atmosphere!"