Key Stage 5
Qualification
Edexcel - GCE 'A' level & GCE 'AS' level
The course consists of six units and it is equally divided into Tudor and Stuart British history and Modern World history.
Although each part of the course is separated by centuries, it will allow students to study two contrasting historical periods in depth.
Course Length
Full 'A' level two years.'AS' level one year.
Entry Requirements
It is not essential that you have studied this subject at GCSE but you will be expected to have a good command of English and be able to write essays.
Course Delivery
Pupils will be given material which outlines the main development changes and ideas of a topic and this will be supported by class discussion. There is a wide ranging reading list from which pupils will be expected to select texts relevant to the topic they are studying.
- Source analysis interpretation and evaluation in groups or as individuals.
- Individual research leading to essays.
- Presentations by individuals or small group to the whole group.
- Focused reading tasks leading to group discussion.
- Use of audio visual materials to gather information and promote discussion.
- Studying History at A level commits a student to a lot of reading.
The more you read, the greater your knowledge and understanding of the subject.
Assessment Method
The 'A' level course is divided into six modules, 'AS' level three modules, and each module is examined as a separate paper. Two of the modules, one at 'AS' level and one at 'A' level, are examined through coursework.
Progression from the course
History 'A' level is highly regarded by law faculties in many universities. Students have left St Thomas More at the end of their 'A' level course and continued to study History at a number of Higher Education establishments including the Universities of Hull, York, Newcastle and Northumbria.
Students have used their History 'A' level qualification to gain access to other courses at Durham, Stirling and Canterbury Universities.
The 'AS' level can be used in support of other 'A' level subjects to gain entry to many courses at Higher Education establishments.
