History A Level
Examining Board: OCR
Overview
No one understands people, politics and the world around them quite like a historian. Study ALevel History and learn about humanity’s triumphs and disasters. Become a master of historical research and refine your skills of working with historical sources and historians’ interpretations. ALevel History is a highly academic and respected qualification which will support your understanding of other curriculum areas such as Politics, English and Art.
Course Content
A Level History has the following topics:
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Britain, 1930-1997 – In this unit you will study the leadership of Winston Churchill and gain an overview of the development of British political history of the 20th century.
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Democracy and Dictatorships in Germany, 1919-1963 – In this unit you will learn about the turbulent path of German history from the hopeful period of Weimar democracy to the rise of the Third Reich and then the experiences of the German people as Germany became the embroiled in the superpower conflict of the Cold War.
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Popular Culture and the Witchcraze, 16th-17th centuries – In this unit you will discover a very dark moment in our history, a period when society turned on its most vulnerable members in the most ferocious witch hunt in history.
Entry Requirements
5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including Grade 6 or above in GCSE History or GCSE English Literature.
How is it Assessed?
Paper 1: Britain, 1930-1997 (25%)
Paper 2: Democracy and Dictatorships in Germany, 1919-1963 (15%)
Paper 3: Popular Culture and the Witchcraze, 16th – 17th centuries (40%)
NEA: A question of your choice based on the Germany unit (20%)
Future Pathways with History
History links naturally with careers in law, journalism, public service, business, and international relations, because all of them rely on understanding people, institutions, and decision‑making. Many who study history go on to have careers in communication, museums, heritage, public engagement, any much more.
