History

Entry Requirements: A minimum grade 6 in GCSE History | Exam Board: AQA

Why Study History?

Studying history will improve your understanding of contemporary issues. By gaining an understanding of what influenced major changes in the past, you will be better able to make judgements about how the world might develop in the future.

As one past student explained, ‘Studying history has not only provided me with a burning interest in the past, but also knowledge well beyond anything I ever expected. I use and relate to what I have learnt in these past two years daily.’

Studying history at A level is less about facts and figures and more about gaining an insight into the human condition. Through your studies you will be both inspired by the amazing record of human achievement and horrified by the many examples of human failure, cruelty and barbarity.

In a world where ‘fake news’ and ‘alternative facts’ threaten democracy. You will be taught how to look beyond the headlines, ask questions, analyse data and critically examine different sources of evidence. These skills will enable you to draw fully independent and well supported judgements; skills which are not only highly valued by institutions of further education and potential employers, but also form the foundations that protect democracy and society from those seeking to undermine it.

The Course

Component 1: Breadth Study

Students will learn about ‘The Tudors: England, 1485–1603.’ In Year 12 they will learn about ‘The Consolidation of the Tudor Dynasty: England, 1485–1547’. In Year 13 Students will learn about the religious turmoil that characterised the reigns of Edward VI and Mary I as well as the ‘Gloriana’ of Elizabeth I, the Armada and the eventual decline of the Tudor dynasty. The exam at the end of Year 13 will be 2h30m long and accounts for 40% of the final A level grade.

Component 2: Depth Study

Students will learn about ‘Revolution and Dictatorship: Russia and the Soviet Union, 1917–1953.’ In Year 12 they will learn about ‘The Russian Revolution and the Rise of Stalin, 1917–1929.’ In Year 13 students will learn about ‘Stalin’s Rule, 1929–1953.’ The exam at the end of Year 13 will be 2h30m long and accounts for 40% of the final A level grade.

Component 3: Historical Investigation

A piece of coursework where the theme, title and sources may be selected by the student themselves. Students will study a topic related to the role of popular protest and political change during 19th and 20th century history. The Historical Investigation must be less than 4,500 words and accounts for 20% of the final A level grade.

Opportunities

Studying A level History can be particularly useful for those wishing to read history, law, politics or international relations at university. During the course of your study you will be given the opportunity to attend lectures delivered by well respected and highly acclaimed historians from leading universities such as Oxford, Cambridge and Sussex.

The literacy and analytical skills developed in studying history are useful in a wide range of careers. Former JCG history students are now journalists, lawyers, doctors, archivists, teachers and management consultants. Studying history is useful for anyone wishing to work in fields that involve understanding and relating to people, conducting rigorous independent research and writing clear and accurate reports.