At St Edward’s, our history curriculum will equip our students with the skills to be critical thinkers and use evidence to understand both events in the past, and history as a discipline.

Why Study A Level History?

In History, you will have the opportunity to delve into the past, to develop your own interpretations of rulers and regimes seemingly far removed from the world we live in today. However, by learning about what has come before, we develop a much clearer understanding of the present and are able to identify patterns and themes that are both consistent and increasingly repetitive.

History is a great choice if you are interested in deepening your knowledge of history or are interested in the stories that have shaped Britain and the rest of the world. Historians will be encouraged to be critical thinkers and consistently ask questions across a range of time periods.

This course is particularly suitable if you are interested in being critical about the past, utilising sources and interpretations to craft their own interpretations of events and people, and debate the causes and impacts of events, from the Russian Revolution to the impact of the Falklands on Thatcher’s Premiership. The NEA will also prepare you for higher education, teaching you vital research skills necessary for university. History is a highly transferable course and is sought after in employment due to the variety of skills acquired.

Course Contact

Miss Jessica Elms
History Subject Leader

Course Content

Component 1: Breadth study 1H Tsarist and Communist Russia, 1855-1964, 80 marks, 40% of A-level.

Component 2: : Depth study 2S The Making of Modern Britain, 1951-2007, 80 marks, 40% of A-level.

Component 3: Historical Investigation (personal study) based on a topic of student’s choice. This is assessed internally and moderated by AQA. 3500-4500 words, 20% of A-level.

Exam Board: AQA

Where can this take you?

After studying history at St Edward’s, you could go into a broad range of jobs requiring an inquisitive mind, self-discipline, creativity, analytical thinking and an understanding of the world. Potential career opportunities are varied from journalism, media, politics and business to the art world, civil service and teaching.

Student Destinations

Oxford University - History
Royal Holloway University - Law
Bristol University - Politics & International Relations
Exeter University - Theology & Religion
Coles Miller - Legal Apprenticeship

Key information

Download Entry Requirements

Student Testimonials

"I have always loved history but going from GCSE to A level, it is more focused, and I can delve deeper into history. We get to know the people and stories in more in depth, and this understanding helps you develop and grow as a historian. It helps you set a foundation for other subjects like Politics and understanding the world better. I would 100% encourage others to do history."

Meredith, KS5 History student

"A-Level History challenged me to my absolute limits, but in the best ways. I have developed skills in critical-thinking, researching, confidence and perseverance as well as a genuine love for discovering the past. It is an A-Level certainly not for the faint of heart but equally incredible in how it shapes students to analyse the world around them."

Isla, KS5 History student