Welcome to History

History gives you lots of transferable skills such as research, analysis of source materials, communication, debate, presentation of ideas, and the ability to prove or disprove theories. It is therefore a highly useful course for a range of careers, such as journalism, broadcasting, publishing, law, politics, management, teaching and media.

In the classroom, you will be involved in researching for, and producing, presentations and debates. You will also have the opportunity to develop skills needed for independent learning. In the Breadth study, you will research the reigns of Henry VII and Henry VIII, as well as life for ordinary people during these times. In the Depth study, you will find out about Russia from 1917 to 1929, and investigate the impact of war and revolution.

In Year 13, you will continue with these these two topics, studying the rest of the Tudor monarchs, and Russia up to 1953. You will also produce an extended essay on 19th Century British History, focusing on the struggle for the vote.

Assessment

The History course is comprised of three assessments, two of which are written examinations, and one is a coursework piece.

• Paper 1: The Study of Significant Historical Developments Over a Period of Around 100 Years, and Associated Interpretations
  This exam focuses on The Tudors, the historical period 1485 to 1603, and is split into two sections. Section A is one compulsory question that is linked to historical interpretations. Section B requires answering two essays, from a choice of three.
  This is a written exam, lasting 2 hours and 30 minutes. This exam is worth 40% of the course certification.
• Paper 2: The Study In Depth of a Period of Major Historical Change or Development & Associated Primary Evidence
  This exam focuses on Revolution & Dictatorship, during Russia, in the period 1917 to 1953, is split into two sections. Section A is one compulsory question linked to primary sources or sources contemporary to the period. Section B requires answering two essays, from a choice of three.
  This is a written exam, lasting 2 hours and 30 minutes. This exam is worth 40% of the course certification.
• Coursework/Non-Examined Assessment
  Students will choose a question from a list based on the topic Protest, Reaction and Parliamentary Reform, Britain (1815 – 1918). Students will produce an extended essay in response to the specified question, of which will cover a historical period of 80 to 100 years. The essay should consist of between 2500 and 3500 words.
  This is a coursework piece, worth 20% of the course certification.

Career & Progression Opportunities

Obvious careers for Historians are museum curators or history teachers, but the skills that you will gain throughout this history course will prepare you well for numerous careers.

A significant number of students enter the legal profession, where analytical and critical reasoning skills are highly valued, as well as archivist, library and information careers, where research expertise and the ability to select, manage and organise information comes to the fore.

Journalism, media, politics, publishing and writing in all of its forms are similarly suitable, alongside business and commerce, charity and voluntary sectors, as well as public sector information.

Entry Requirements

If you’d like to study History, then you’ll need at least a Grade 5 in GCSE History, plus 4 other GCSE qualifications at Grade 5 or above.

If you haven’t studied History before, then you’ll need at least a Grade 5 in GCSE English, and 4 other GCSE qualifications at Grade 5 or above.

If you’d like to, you can download this information as a PDF file. Download the History course information sheet (opens in a new tab) →