History
Lead: Ms Salkeld
Email: hsalkeld1.310@parkhighstanmore.org.uk
Subject overview
A course designed to delve deep into British and world history.
History A Level builds on the skills and knowledge base from GCSE. Students are trained in how to write, research, and argue in depth and at university level on a range of topics. We study the history of more than just Britain, looking at Europe and the wider world in all of our units. We undertake a thematic study, covering an extended period of history of over 150 years. Students explore a topic in history they have an interest in through the coursework element.
Our aim is to create independent learners, critical thinkers, and decision-makers – all personal assets that can make them stand out as they progress to higher education and/or the workplace.
“History A-level has been an exciting experience so far and although it may be a leap from GCSE, the support from the department has been amazing. Learning about the Wars of the Roses and the Cold War has been extremely eye-opening. Moreover, the concepts and skills we are learning from History A-level would be very beneficial for our future career paths.” - Student
Exam Board: OCR
Course Specification: : H505
Qualification obtained: OCR A Level in History A
Entry requirements:
Students must achieve at least six 9-4 grades including English Language and Mathematics at GCSE.
Grade 5 in History or a related subject
What you will study
Year 12
Topics covered:
- Britain 1930-97: An in-depth study into Churchill’s attitudes and responses to domestic and world events from 1931-45, in which we train students to evaluate primary sources;, we then develop essay skills through examining the Conservative and Labour governments from 1951-1997.
- Russia (1894-1941). A study of the final days of Tsarist Russia, the 1917 revolutions and communist take-over and the changes to the USSR under Stalin.
Year 13
Topics covered:
- Popular culture and the witchcraze of the 17th and 18th centuries, including the Witchcraze in Germany, Matthew Hopkins – Witchfinder General and the Salem witch trials.
- Coursework - The most exciting part of History A-level is the ability to research and write an Oxbridge-Standard essay on the topic of your choice. In the past years we have had students look at:
- African-American culture since Civil Rights
- Nazi Medical experiments
- Witchcraft
- Aztecs
- Whitechapel murders and Jack the Ripper
- Gangsters
- Samurai
Assessment
Assessment percentage:
80% Exam
20% Coursework
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Assessment | Weight |
| Y101 | Alfred & the Making of England | Written Examination: 50 marks, 1hr 30min | 25% |
| Y219 | Russia (1894-1941) | Written Examination: 30 marks, 1hr | 15% |
| Y312 | Popular culture and the witchcraze ofthe 17th and 18th centuries | Written Examination: 80 marks, 2hr 30min | 40% |
| Y100 | Topic based essay | Non-examined assessment: 40 marks, Written essay of 3000-4000 words | 20% |
Progression routes
Post-18 study: History is extremely highly regarded by Oxbridge and Russell Group universities for the fact that it trains all students in the kinds of research and written skills required to succeed at university. It is well regarded even in sciences and medicine.
Post-18 employment: History is a great subject for developing confidence and personal expression- vital in any job. Furthermore, it develops the ability to process information and respond to it rapidly and under pressure.
Additional Information
Course specific equipment:
- Lever arch folder
- 20 file dividers
- Pink and green highlighters
Essential Reading Material:
OCR A Level History: Russia 1894-1941, by Andrew Holland ISBN 9781510416550
Access to History: The witchcraze ofthe 17th and 18th centuries by Alan FarmerISBN 1510459197
Recommended resources:
https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-and-a-level/history-a-h105-h505-from-2015/textbooks/