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Course overview

History isn’t just about dates and facts—it’s about power, people, and how the stories of the past shape the world we live in today. Far from being fixed, history is constantly reinterpreted, often influenced by those in power who rewrite events to suit their own agenda. Studying A Level History gives you the tools to question what you're told, challenge propaganda, and see through the ‘spin’ in politics and the media. You’ll learn to ask: Where’s the evidence? Who’s telling this story, and why? If you’re curious about the truth behind today’s headlines and want to understand how the past continues to shape our lives, History is the subject for you.

Entry requirements

Students studying three A Levels and/or AAQs will be expected to have a minimum of two GCSEs at grade 5 and three at grade 4, including English Language and Mathematics.

Students studying four A Levels will be expected to have a minimum of six GCSEs at grade 7, 8 or 9 including English Language and Mathematics at grade 6 or above.

Topics you will study
1L: The quest for political stability: Germany, 1871–1991

Year 1

The Kaiserreich, 1871–1914

Empire to democracy, 1914–1929

Year 2

The Nazi experiment, 1929–1949 

The Federal Republic of Germany, 1949–1991

2S: The Making of Modern Britain, 1951–2007


Year 1

The Affluent Society, 1951–1964

The Sixties, 1964–1970

The end of Post-War Consensus, 1970–1979

Year 2

The impact of Thatcherism, 1979–1987

Towards a new Consensus, 1987–1997 

The Era of New Labour, 1997–2007

3C Historical Investigation (non -exam assessment) 

To what extent were religious factors the main cause of the English Tudor rebellions?

Key features

You will study the history of more than one country or state and develop an understanding of more than one period. This will allow you to develop a strong sense of historical perspective, creating greater appreciation of the key features of a period, its particular characteristics and the forces for change. You will also develop greater understanding of the complexity of the historical process, allowing detailed study of the interrelationships between ideas, individuals and circumstances that contribute to change and development.

Skills developed are: to communicate clearly and concisely, both in speech and writing; identify, locate and assess the veracity and validity of evidence, evaluate and reconcile conflicting evidence, draw conclusions from fact rather than opinion.

Course content:

Component 1: The Quest for Political Stability: Germany 1871 – 1991

Component 2: The Making of Modern Britain 1951 – 2007

Coursework: The Tudor Rebellions 1485 – 1603

Assessment

Components 1 and 2 are written exams and taken at the end of the second year. 

Component 3 is a coursework module based on your own historical investigation: 4000–4500 words and is worth 20% of your overall grade.

Exam Board: AQA

Enrichment and Work Experience

There are a number of opportunities for enrichment to get involved in such as the Debate Society and History Club. A number of guest speakers and trips are organised each year to universities, musuems and Parliament to name a few.

Students have the opportunity to complete a one-week work placement or live-brief in the Summer term.

Why choose B6?

You will experience outstanding teaching and extensive support to ensure you reach your potential. You will receive a high quality learning experience in A Level History and results are consistently excellent. Students who succeed on this course have gone onto study it in some form at university, including Cambridge and Oxford and have also been part of the Honours Programme. 

A Level History is regarded as a highly academic subject and is well respected by employers and universities alike. We have excellent links with prestigious universities and progression rates to higher education are high.

Future career opportunities

Studying A Level History equips students with a powerful set of transferable skills that are highly valued across a wide range of careers. The ability to think critically, evaluate evidence, construct logical arguments, and communicate ideas clearly makes History an ideal foundation for professions such as law, journalism, education, politics, public service, and business. Employers value History students for their analytical mindset, independent thinking, and ability to make informed decisions—qualities that are essential in today’s fast-changing and competitive job market.

Additional information

In A Level History, learning is dynamic, engaging, and supported by the latest educational technology. Lessons combine a variety of approaches—including independent tasks, paired work, source analysis, research projects, and exam-style questions—alongside interactive digital resources that bring the past to life. You’ll take part in thought-provoking discussions and debates, use online platforms to enhance your understanding, and access a wealth of multimedia tools to support your learning inside and outside the classroom.

Megan Haslam

Megan Haslam

Studying:
A Level English Literature, History, Politics and Honours Programme with EPQ

Previous school:
Little Lever School

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