LINEAR A-LEVEL COURSE CONTENT
Tsarist and Communist Russia 1855-1964 The English Revolution 1625-1660 Historical Enquiry: India: independence and partition 1847-1947
WHERE DO I GO TO FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION?
Visit the AQA website: http://aqa.org.uk
Subject Leader: Ms K Hirst (k.hirst@finhampark.co.uk)
Teaching staff: Dr E Pyne, Ms K Hirst, Mrs L Williard and Mr G Walker
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO THIS COURSE?
GCSE 5 grades 9-4 plus GCSE English grade 5 or above.
You will also need to gain a grade 5 in GCSE History.
WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THIS SUBJECT?
History studies the past and allows individuals to understand the future! An ability to look at the past involves thought, analysis and consideration.
Historians are encouraged and trained to focus on any event and be able to look objectively at the causes and outcomes. The use of primary/secondary sources provide fascinating interpretations of the past which allow historians to really appreciate different time periods.
Contrasts and comparisons are a natural occurrence which allows an analysis of world events today.
IS THERE ANY COURSEWORK OR CONTROLLED ASSESSMENTS?
There is a Historical Enquiry (essay). This is worth 20% of the linear A-Level mark.
WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP?
History involves the analysis and evaluation of the causes and consequences of historical events. It encourages students to think deeply about issues and events. Students learn to reach secure conclusions and make judgements. The use of historical sources will encourage ideas of utility and reliability which truly evaluates the strength of historiography. Essay writing skills are taught explicitly via historical content.
HOW MANY EXAMS DO I HAVE TO TAKE AND WHEN DO I TAKE THEM?
Linear A-Level: Two exams lasting 2 1/2 hours each. Each exam is worth 40% of the A-Level mark.
WHAT MIGHT STUDYING THIS COURSE LEAD TO?
Students who study History at Advanced levels are prepared for a wealth of opportunities due to the wide range of skills which are taught. Obvious career possibilities are teaching, museum work and archive work but any employer who looks for analysis, evaluation and the ability to make judgements seek to employ those students who have studied history. Previous students have continued their studies by studying history, law, economics, archaeology, anthropology and as diverse as nursing and architecture.