Menu

A Level

Home > Courses > History

Course Overview

A Level History is the study of significant people and events from the past, focusing on key debates and supporting arguments with valid evidence. It helps students develop essential skills such as analysis, evaluation, and the ability to scrutinise historical evidence and interpretations.

 

Through this, students learn to communicate clearly, logically, and concisely – skills highly valued by both universities and employers. History complements other humanities subjects, modern foreign languages, social sciences, and even works well as a standalone subject alongside sciences. History is taught by a dedicated team of enthusiastic subject experts who are passionate about the subject and committed to supporting their students.

ASSESSMENT

  • Coursework: 20%
  • Exam: 80%
  • Awarding Body: Pearson Edexcel

Course Topics

  • In Search of the American Dream: the USA, c. 1917-96
  • The Road to Independence: India, c. 1914-48
  • The British Experience of Warfare: c. 1790-1918
  • The Origins of the First World War (Coursework)

BEGIN - IS THIS COURSE RIGHT FOR ME?

If you’re fascinated by the past, curious about the world around you, and eager to understand what drives people to act as they do, then History could be the perfect subject for you! You should enjoy reading, researching, and exploring different perspectives, as History is both challenging and rewarding. Successful students are motivated, resilient, and hardworking, ready to take part in discussions and share ideas with their peers. If you’re prepared to dig deeper, think critically, and engage in lively debate, you’ll thrive on this course.  

BELONG – WHY STUDY THIS WITH US?

History is one of the most popular subjects at our college, taught by passionate subject specialists who bring the past to life. Our curriculum spans from the late 18th to the late 20th century, covering a wide range of global events and themes.

 

Lessons are varied, interactive, and discussion-led, giving you plenty of opportunities to test out ideas and debate different viewpoints. You’ll also benefit from our team’s expertise – with staff who have examiner experience for Pearson Edexcel – and from enrichment activities that take learning beyond the classroom. Highlights include our annual trip to the First World War battlefields, study days at local and regional universities, and visits to iconic sites such as the Imperial War Museum and Parliament. We also welcome guest academics to deliver talks on topics like the Peninsular War and Gandhi’s role in India’s independence. 

 

Our History department is committed to helping you prepare for your future. Whether you’re aiming for university, applying to Oxford or Cambridge, or considering degree apprenticeships, you’ll receive tailored support. From UCAS guidance and Aspire+ sessions to interview practice and bespoke tutorials, we’ll help you achieve your next steps with confidence. 

BEYOND – WHERE CAN THIS COURSE TAKE ME?

Studying History opens up a world of opportunities. Many of our student’s progress to university, continuing with History or branching into related subjects such as Philosophy, Classics, Languages, Politics, International Relations, or Psychology. The analytical, research, and communication skills gained through History also provide a strong foundation for studying Law. 

 

Increasingly, we support students applying for degree apprenticeships, with recent alumni securing roles in the Civil Service, Law firms, and national businesses. History graduates go on to diverse careers in journalism, broadcasting, research, politics, human resources, advertising, marketing, teaching, archiving, and museum work – the possibilities are endless! With History, you’ll gain knowledge and skills that open doors across a wide range of exciting futures.  

If you are unsure what course you think you should choose or what career you would like to aspire towards then contact Admissions:

01782 854221
Email Enquiry
apply
find an open day
our prospectus
stay updated

Similar Courses

On this pathway

SFC_CourseFinder_0044_Geology(A_Level)

Geology

A Level

Do you want to understand how the earth works? Choose finding out why volcanoes and earthquakes occur and why they can be so different in different locations and how we can mitigate against the impacts. Choose understanding plate tectonics and how the earth has evolved over millions of years. Choose finding out where all our resources come from, metals, water, energy and how we can make them sustainable for the future.

SFC_CourseFinder_0011_Spanish(A_Level)

Spanish

A Level

Do you want to get that job interview-well you will have communication skills a plenty here and employers look VERY favourably upon MFL students and speaking a foreign language is now very desirable.

Prospectus2024-0596

History

A Level

This is the subject that allows you to gain essential skills in analysis and evaluation, through the study of significant events and people in the past, and through interpretations and sources about these.

classics

Classical Civilisation

A Level

Fascinating blend of ancient history, mythology and some of the best literature ever written. You develop oral and written communication skills and your powers of analysis and evaluation on this exciting learning journey.

SFC_CourseFinder_0058_EnglishLanguage(A_Level)

English Language

A Level

Are you interested in the way in which you receive information? Are you interested in how age, gender, ethnicity and class influence how we speak, hear and write? Then this is the subject for you.

humanities-banner

German

A Level

Do you want to get that job interview-well you will have communication skills a plenty here and employers look VERY favourably upon MFL students and speaking a foreign language is now very desirable.

englit

English Literature

A Level

If you love to read, this is the subject for you. If you want a high- level graduate position, this is also the subject for you, as a traditional, academic subject such as this is just what employers like.

envsci

Environmental Science

A Level

If you want to make a difference and change the future of the world in which we live for the better, and if you are inspired by the natural environment and its myriad of interconnections and feedbacks, then Environmental Science is the subject for you.

geography

Geography

A Level

Do you want to understand how our world works? Dealing with vital issues such as climate change, migration, environmental degradation, social issues and natural hazards, A level Geography is one of the most relevant subjects you could choose to study.

SFC_CourseFinder_0057_EnglishLanguage(GCSE)

English Language

GCSE

Do you want to be among the 60% of students who pass this on average each year? A great course to prepare you for A Level, Level 3 BTEC/CTEC courses and T Levels.

SFC_CourseFinder_0021_Politics(A_Level)

Politics

A Level

If you love debating and current affairs this is the subject for you! You will develop the ability to discuss, scrutinise and evaluate the political events, structures and political theories of the UK and USA.

re

Religious Studies

A Level

If you find deeper questions about God, ethics and faith fascinating, and you are keen to develop both your thinking skills and understanding of people, then this subject could be for you!

philosophy

Philosophy

A Level

Philosophy is possibly the oldest subject on the curriculum. It is the attempt to answer the biggest questions that people can ask.

SFC_CourseFinder_0048_French(A_Level)

French

A Level

Do you want to get that job interview-well you will have communication skills a plenty here and employers look VERY favourably upon MFL students and speaking a foreign language is now very desirable.

lifestyle-humanities-language

Humanities

Transition

The Transition Programme is a new type of study programme, specifically designed to develop the skills, experience, knowledge and behaviours to support progression onto a Level 3 programme of study.

SFC_CourseFinder_0043_German(A_Level)

Arabic

A Level

Do you want to get that job interview-well you will have communication skills a plenty here and employers look VERY favourably upon MFL students and speaking a foreign language is now very desirable.