Course Details
Awarding Body: OCR
Staff Contacts: Mr M Danylevych (Head of History Department) – mdanylevych@quarrydale.notts.sch.uk
Key features of the course
History is a subject that involves learning about past events and people in order to gain a better understanding of the future.
It is an academic subject, which enables you to develop a wide range of skills and helps prepare you for study at undergraduate level. A-level History will typically develop your research skills, how to evaluate archive and source material and develop your writing skills.
Prospective A-level History students should be aware that this is a subject which depends on the person having good independent learning skills as the amount of reading and general research will be extensive.
A-level History at Quarrydale Academy offers a rich, broad and varied programme of study. Students will study Alfred the Great and the Anglo-Saxons, the Cold War and the Middle East since 1908. Each student will choose their own coursework topic, which is subject to authorisation from OCR.
Entry Requirements:
Minimum of five GCSEs at Grade 4, including at least a grade 5 in History and English Language.
What could this course lead on to?
History is a good A-level to study because it encompasses a wide variety of transferable skills, which can be applied to a wide range of degree courses and careers. The skills include communication skills, critical thinking, analytical skills, research skills and project management.
Students who study A-level History often go into the following areas of employment:
Teaching
Law
Journalism
Research
Sales and marketing
Management
Finance
Future prospects and careers
The course will support access to degree courses in History, English, Politics, International Relations, Economics, Sociology and Biology.
What type of student is this course suitable for?
This course is suitable for anyone interested in learning about past people and events. It is ideal for someone who enjoys learning independently, has an inquisitive mind and relishes a challenge. Prospective students need to be well-motivated and highly literate, as the amount of reading and writing will be extensive. An interest in current affairs would also be advantageous.
History complements other subjects such as Politics, International Relations and English.
Assessment Structure
- Alfred and the Making of England, 871-1016
- Examination of 1 hour and 30 minutes
- 25% of overall grade.
- The Cold War in Europe, 1941-1995
- Examination of 1 hour
- 15% of overall grade.
- The Middle East, 1908-2011
- Examination of 2 hours and 30 minutes
- 40% of overall grade.
- Coursework – subject to be determined by student
- Independent study – internally assessed
- 20% of overall grade