APPLY NOW
A Level

History

Study aspects of Britain and Europe's history from the 18th to the 20th centuries, covering British, Italian, Russian and German history.
  • LEVEL
A LEVEL
  • ASSESSOR
OCR
  • ASSESSMENT
80% Exam 20% NEA
  • ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
  • AT LEAST 5 GCSES GRADED 4-9 INCLUDING
6+ in History

What is History?

The term ‘history’ is broad. As part of this course, students will focus specifically on British and European history from the 18th-20th centuries.

Learn about Britain’s past prime ministers, starting from Winston Churchill, right through to the Labour party’s 1997 victory under Tony Blair. Delve into the most important moments in British-European history including World War Two, the formation of the EEC, and Thatcherism.

Follow the gradual unification of Italy by 1896 which led to it being recognised as the country we know today. Explore the rulers of the Russian Empire between 1855 and 1964 and develop a greater understanding of how the past informs the modern-day. Develop your essay-writing and research skills in an extended essay relating to important aspects of Nazi Germany.

Why study History?

The study of the past is crucial for understanding the present, and therefore develops in students a greater awareness of the world in which they live. This course helps to develops a multitude of skills such as:

The ability to communicate a powerful and effective argument

The ability to analyse and evaluate; to make judgements on the past

The ability to evaluate sources of information and then use that information to form judgements about the past

 

Employers and universities value History A Level, as they recognise the deep analytical thinking and evaluation necessary for success in the subject.

.......

History Exam Results

...

PASS

...

A* to C

...

A* to B

View all Results

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.

Angelica (History Student)

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.

Thomas (History Student)

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.

Isabel (History Student)

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

Patricia (History Student)

History
Course 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 1
Britain 1930-1997
WEIGHT
25% (50 Marks)
LENGTH
1 Hour 30 Minutes

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 2
The Unification of Italy, 1798-1896
WEIGHT
15% (30 Marks)
LENGTH
1 Hour

A case study of how a country is born. In 1789, ‘Italy’ was merely a geographical expression, and very few people believed that one day it would become a nation. Yet by 1861, almost all of Italy had been unified. This course charts the incredible journey through:

  • A foreign rule
  • Philosophical debates on what makes a ‘nation’
  • Revolutions
  • Legendary tales of bravery, diplomacy, political turmoil
  • Eventual unification
UNIT 3
Personal Investigations
WEIGHT
20%
LENGTH
3000 – 4000 Words

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 4
Russia and its Rulers, 1855-1964
WEIGHT
40%
LENGTH
2 Hours & 30 Minutes

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
DONALD_MATTHEW

Mr M DONALD

SUBJECT LEADER FOR History

We are so delighted you are considering History as one of your A Levels. Our History team are passionate about the subject and enjoy lively debate and discussion.

I would be really happy to answer any questions you may have about History..

Send me a message

Start Your
History
Journey

APPLY NOW

or if you still have questions
about our Sixth Form, try our

Frequently Asked Questions

More St Paul's Courses