A LEVEL
History
History is about people and power, ideas and change. It gives you the insight to understand the past and the courage to question the present.
Here at St Paul’s, you’ll explore stories that shaped our world and develop the skills to make your mark on its future.
You arrive as you are, and you’re celebrated for it. You leave ready to take on the world.
— Sixth Form student
Studying History at St Paul’s felt like uncovering layers of stories that shape who we are. My teachers challenged me to question perspectives, think independently, and connect past events to the world around me in ways I’d never considered before.
Why Choose History at St Paul’s?
- Learn to think deeply. History challenges you to ask questions, analyse evidence, and make sense of complex issues. These skills will set you up for life.
- Known and supported. In small classes, you’ll be encouraged to share ideas, discuss big questions, and grow in confidence.
- A subject that connects everything. From politics to culture, economics to philosophy, History helps you see the links between past and present.
- Inspiring teachers, lively debate. Our team brings history to life through discussion, challenge and storytelling.
- A foundation for the future. History develops the analytical and writing skills valued by universities and employers across law, journalism, education, business, and beyond.
Where History Can Take You
A Level History opens doors to a wide range of degrees and careers. Many of our students progress into fields such as:
- Law, Politics, and International Relations
- Journalism and Media
- Teaching and Education
- Business, Management, and Public Policy
- Historical Research, Museums, and Heritage
Whatever path you take, you’ll carry with you the ability to think critically, argue persuasively, and understand the world in context.
I thought about leaving, but I realised no one else would care about me the way St Paul’s does. Here, I’m not starting over, I’m moving forward.
— Student Name
What You’ll Study
You’ll explore fascinating periods of British and European history, developing a rich understanding of power, revolution, and change.
British History: 1930–1997
- Churchill in War and Peace
- Post-war governments from 1951–1997, including the Labour victory under Tony Blair
- Key events in 20th-century British politics
European History: The French Revolution and the Rule of Napoleon (1774–1815)
- The fall of the monarchy and rise of revolutionary ideas
- France’s transformation into a republic and empire
- The impact of figures such as Louis XVI, Robespierre, and Napoleon
Russia and Its Rulers (1855–1964)
- The ideologies, repression, and leadership of tsars and Bolsheviks
- Comparisons between autocracy and communism
- War, revolution, and social change across a century of upheaval
Coursework: Thematic Study of Nazi Germany
Students choose their own investigation, exploring themes such as:
- The origins of the Holocaust
- The role of women in Nazi Germany
- The nature of dictatorship under Hitler
Full details of the course can be found in the exam board’s official AQA specification.
You arrive as you are, and you’re celebrated for it. You leave ready to take on the world.
— Sixth Form student
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History Exam Results
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PASS RATE
...
achieved
A* to C
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achieved
A* to B
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achieved
A* to A
Entry Requirements
In addition to our standard entry requirements, a number of our courses have specific entry requirements to ensure you are ready to thrive in the subject. For History, you’ll need:
- Grade 6+ in History
These requirements are in place to help set you up for success and make sure you have the right foundation to enjoy the challenge of Sixth Form study.
I thought about leaving, but I realised no one else would care about me the way St Paul’s does. Here, I’m not starting over, I’m moving forward.
— Student Name
Hear From Our Students
I have found studying British History at A-Level particularly interesting due to the way the content studied provides insight into how present Britain mirrors historical events and issues that have already occurred.
I have enjoyed A Level History at St Paul’s because of the meaningful discussions we have about the inner workings of History, and because I have been able to sharpen the skills that I will need for higher education.
History A-Level at St Paul’s is an engaging and enjoyable course, and I’ve particularly enjoyed the coursework as it’s enabled me to improve my ability to debate and interpret information.
The A-level history course has shown me the vitality in understanding the past in relation to our present society. It has helped me to become more analytical of the world around me.
Mr M Donald
SUBJECT LEADER FOR HISTORY
Thank you so much for your interest in History at A Level. We have a fabulous team of energetic and enthusiastic specialists at St Paul’s ready to support you on your journey. Â
Should you have any questions at all about studying History at A Level, or the possible career paths beyond College, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Send me a message
We’d love to hear from you, whether you want to talk about subject choices, entry requirements, or your future career ideas.
Are you ready to explore the past, challenge ideas, and understand how history shapes the present?
Start your History journey at St Paul’s.
Whatever course you choose, you’ll be joining a community where every student is known and loved. Our mission is not just to help you succeed academically, but to help you grow as a person, supported and celebrated every step of the way.
HistoryCourse Content
This course offers students the opportunity to study history through the lens of a historian, and actively promotes wider reading, thus extending students’ experience and appreciation of history.
| UNIT 1Britain 1930-1997 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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WEIGHT |
25% (50 Marks) |
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LENGTH |
1 Hour 30 Minutes |
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Unit 1 consists of the study of British Prime Ministers and governments starting with Winston Churchill, running through key events in 20th century British History, and ending with the Labour victory in 1997 under Tony Blair.
This is divided into three sections:
- An in-depth study of Churchill, analysing his actions and opinions both in and out of power.
Post-war British political history, covering successive Labour and Conservative Prime Ministers and key events in 20th century British History.
| UNIT 2The French Revolution and the rule of Napoleon, 1774-1815 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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WEIGHT |
15% (30 Marks) |
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LENGTH |
1 Hour |
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The French Revolution and the rule of Napoleon, 1774-1815Â examines the fall of the monarchy, the rise of revolutionary ideas, and the transformation of France into a republic and empire. Students explore key events, influential figures like Louis XVI, Robespierre, and Napoleon, and the wider impact of revolutionary change on French society and politics.
| UNIT 3Coursework | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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WEIGHT |
20% |
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LENGTH |
3000 – 4000 Words |
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Personal investigation into an aspect of Nazi Germany. Students have the choice from:
- Analysing the origins of the Holocaust
- Women in Nazi Germany
- Analysis of Hitler’s Dictatorship
- The extent to which coercion was relied upon within Nazi Germany
| UNIT 4Russia and its Rulers, 1855-1964 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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WEIGHT |
40% |
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LENGTH |
2 Hours & 30 Minutes |
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A comparative study of the different governments of the tsars and the Bolsheviks, and the 9 months of doomed democracy sandwiched in between. It is a synoptic paper involving comparisons of similarity, difference and change over time. We look at:
- The ideologies
- Repressive tendencies
- Economic approaches
- Impacts of war and abilities to deal with the Russian Empire of both the tsars and the communists
