History A Level Course Outline
Advanced Level 3
Awarding Body:OCR
Study History
The key reason for studying History is that it is innately fascinating, but it is also crucial for understanding the world around us. History has shaped all aspects of our lives and its influence can be seen all around us in our politics, architecture, food, literature, television. It is also vital for developing critical thinking skills in a modern world where we have to evaluate the reliability of all of the information we are receiving.
In the first year, you will study the American Revolution and Britain 1930-1997 (with a depth study on Churchill) . In the second year, you will study Civil Rights and Race Relations in the USA (African Americans, Native Americans, Women and Trade Union/Workers Rights), and do coursework from 20 different options, ranging from the Russian Revolution, to Nazi Germany, to the Cold War, to Apartheid South Africa. Students who get an A or above in the Year 12 end of year mocks will be able to choose their coursework.
Studying History at A Level provides excellent preparation for degree studies. It helps to develop research skills, as students are required to research independently using books, articles and source material. All examination is through essay-writing, and the course aims to help students to develop their skills in producing balanced, structured and convincing arguments. You will also be required to critically assess both historical evidence and the opposing interpretations advance by different historians. Lessons will involve a lot of debating, sharpening counter arguments, evaluating evidence, and assessing the causes and consequences of the events that shape our world today.
The General entry requirements for A Level courses are six GCSEs grades 9-4 and above, including English Language.
Grade 5 English
Exam Board: OCR
A Level: Students will sit exams at the end of Year 2 in Components 1, 2 and 3, and submit coursework.
- British period study and enquiry: Britain 1930-1997
- Non-British period study: American Revolution
- Thematic study and historical interpretations: Civil Rights in the USA 1865–1992
- Coursework
Internal Assessment
Students regularly submit work – usually in the form of essays – which is formally assessed in line with Exam board criteria. Students are required to assess their own work before submission using relevant cover sheets, and will receive detailed written and oral feedback. Marks will be recorded on the e-markbook to enable students to monitor their progress.
Assessment
1. Britain 1930-1997: 1 hours 30 minutes. 25% of A Level
2. American Revolution: 1 hour 15% of A Level
3. Civil Rights: Exam: 2 hours 30 minutes. 40% of A Level
4. Coursework 3,000 - 4,000 words. 20% of A Level
History A Level qualifies students for a range of History-related degrees, such as American or African studies, Archaeology, and other humanities and social sciences like Philosophy, Politics or Economics. It is also highly valued for legal careers, as the UK constitution is uncodified and therefore the research and evaluation skills of historians are particularly prized.
History develops a range of skills which are valued by employers:
- communicate complex ideas and information
- research and evaluate evidence - make balanced judgements on the basis of incomplete and conflicting evidence
- develop reasoned arguments
History develops understanding of other values and cultures, which is important in an increasingly globalized and multi-cultural world.
History graduates can, of course, work in education, in museums and archives and in the heritage industry, but are also strongly represented in these areas: Media, publishing, film and entertainment, Journalism, Local and national government, NGOs/charities, Think tanks, Law and Management consultancy.
"St Charles is a great place to study history A-level. Teachers inspire and motivate, which pushes to a deeper study of history. Teachers make it clear how the skills and knowledge you acquire can be practically applied in real life. It is a pleasure to learn in such environment, were everything is encouraging you to dig deeper into the topic that you are studying and even more. I have always loved history, and this college made me love it even more. I would highly recommend choosing history as one of your A-level's, specifically because the curriculum, teachers and skills that you develop throughout your learning."
"Studying history at St Charles is an excellent experience as the teachers make it simple for everyone to understand the topics from Churchill to The American Revolution. Furthermore, the teachers also give me personal encouragement and have made me realize that if I work hard, I could legitimately achieve whatever I want or go to any university I want. "
"History really prepared me well for university, especially the essay skills I learned."
"The topics we studied were much more interesting than I expected them to be."
"The teachers were always available to give help and advice."
Course materials and extra reading are available on the VLE, on Teams and in the college library, and you will receive advice on books that may be worth purchasing.
We shall be organizing museum visits relevant to the course (such as the Churchill War Rooms, Imperial War Museum, Hamilton), as well as attending Sixth Form study conferences.
The department has established links with a number of universities, including Queen Mary University of London and SOAS, where our students can attend lectures and taster days.
Extra curricular includes films, podcasts, documentaries.
The history teachers are:
James Sharratt (jsh@stcharles.ac.uk)
Tom Collard (tco@stcharles.ac.uk)
