History
Subject Video
The History department aims to fire students’ curiosity about the past and to equip our young people with the skills to reach their potential throughout their lives.
In A Level History, our students will complete three papers:
• Paper One focuses on the Tudors between 1485 and 1603. As well as studying the reigns of King Henry VII and King Henry VIII, students will decide whether or not the reign of the boy-king Edward VI deserves to be labelled as a ‘mid-Tudor crisis’. Students will also examine whether or not Mary I deserves to be called ‘Bloody Mary’ and we know they will want to find out more about the most intriguing monarch, Queen Elizabeth I.
• Paper Two focuses on the USA between 1945 and 1980. Students will explore the impact of different Presidents including Johnson and Nixon. The themes of the Cold War, civil rights and the changing American economy will be investigated and we know they will want to investigate the infamous Watergate Affair.
• Paper Three is a ‘historical study’, which students will investigate and research before writing up their findings.
Subject Details
Course:
A-Level History
FOR ENTRY SEPTEMBER 2023
Exam board: AQA
Type of vocational pathway: A-Level
Course Code: 7042
We want students who: are enthusiastic and committed to studying History. The ability to use their initiative and be organised is crucial.
How will students be assessed?
A Level with AQA: Code 7042. Exams to be completed at the end of Year 13.
Paper One C: One exam lasting 2 hours 30 minutes. This paper is worth 40% of the A Level.
Paper Two Q: One exam lasting 2 hours 30 minutes. This paper is worth 40% of the A Level.
Paper Three (NEA): An essay of 3000-3500 words. This paper is worth 20% of the A Level.
What other courses does it complement?
History A Level complements a wide range of other courses as a result of the variety of skills developed. The ability to analyse is tested in a range of other subjects including the sciences, Geography and Psychology. The communication skills developed, connect to subjects such as English Language, English Literature and Philosophy.
Next steps - what this course can lead to
In the past, well-motivated students have earned excellent grades and have gone on to study History, Law and Engineering. Other students have used their A Level History to support a wide range of further education courses, at university or college. The training in logic, deduction, listening, researching and evidential skills have allowed graduates to enter industrial middle management, archive and museum work, publishing and journalism, politics and teaching
St Benedict’s,
Sixth Form
