Exam Board: OCR
This specification provides students with a fantastic curriculum to engage and ignite historical interests and passions. Students will study the history of more than one country or state in addition to the study of British history. They will undertake a thematic study covering an extended period of history of approximately 100 years. They will also explore a topic in history that they have an independent interest in through the coursework element. This course will create independent learners, critical thinkers and decision makers – all personal assets that can make them stand out as they progress to higher education and/or the workplace.
Paper 1: British period study and enquiry
The Early Stuarts and the Origins of the Civil War, 1603-1660
Key topics include: James I and Parliament; James I and religion; Charles I 1625-1640; Charles I and the victory of Parliament 1640-1646; The failure to achieve a settlement 1646-1649; Commonwealth and Protectorate; The Restoration of Charles II
Written Exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
50 marks
25% of A Level
Paper 2: Non-British period study
The French Revolution and the rule of Napoleon, 1774-1815
Key topics include: The causes of the French Revolution from 1774 and the events of 1789; The Revolution from 1789 to the Directory 1795; Napoleon Bonaparte to 1807; The decline and fall of Napoleon 1807 to 1815
Written Exam: 1 hour
30 marks
15% of A Level
Paper 3: Thematic study and Historical Interpretations
Civil Rights in the USA 1865-1992
Key topics include:
Thematic study - African Americans; Trade Unions and Labour Rights; Native American Indians; Women
Depth study – Civil Rights in the ‘Gilded Age’ c1875-c1895; The New Deal and Civil Rights; Malcolm X and Black Power
Written Exam: 2 hours 30 minutes
40% of A Level
Non Examined Assessment
This is an independently created essay that includes an explanation and analysis of different perspectives on a clearly stated historical issue, drawing on a range of primary and secondary material.
3000-4000 word essay
40 marks
20% of A Level
School Entry Requirements and a grade 6 or above in GCSE History or a grade 6 in English Language if History has not been studied at GCSE.
Studying History will allow students to develop a deep and rich knowledge of our past through inquiry, investigation and imagination. Students will develop critical thinking skills and become young historians from studying a selection of significant historical events in time. Developing a love for history and a curiosity for the past will allow students to be expert learners for life and contribute positively to the multi-cultural global society in which they live in.
Many different career pathways are accessible through the study of History including journalism and broadcasting, media and advertising, teaching, finance, law, museum and heritage industries and local and national government.
‘The Telegraph ranks History as one of the top 10 subjects for employability.’