History A Level

Why is History Useful?

• History helps to develop good written and oral communication skills
• It encourages you to question everything – to analyse, evaluate and argue concisely and effectively, and to be discerning
• You will develop an understanding of motivation – what makes people think and act as they do; and of causation – the reasons why things happen
• Looking at the values of those in the past will help you to develop your own set of values. 

Enrichment

There are opportunities for Sixth Form students to join the Historical Society, take part in debates and attend conferences led by historians. Previous speakers include David Starkey, John Guy, Richard Evans and Robert Service. We also run residential trips. A-level students have visited New York and Washington D.C.

Looking Further Ahead

History develops many skills and actually widens options.  Employers and universities see History as a valuable component in a well-balanced education.

Some of the careers for which History is useful include: Law, Archaeology, Tourism, TV work, International Relations, Police work, Town Planning, Environmental Work, Politics, Civil Service, Conservation, Building Restoration, Journalism and Scientific Research. 

Route F: Searching for Rights and Freedoms in the Twentieth Century

Students will study: Paper 1, Option 1F: In search of the American Dream: the USA, 1917- 96 and Paper 2.
Option 2F: South Africa, 1948-94: from apartheid state to 'rainbow nation'

The options in Route F are linked by the common theme of a search for rights, freedoms and greater equality during the twentieth century. Students also study Britain: losing and gaining an empire, 1763-1914 and undertake research coursework on the Russian Revolution.