EXAMINATION BOARD: OCR

History builds upon the skills developed at GCSE and allows pupils to understand History at a higher level. Through a range of papers pupils are introduced to a variety of ways of studying history. In preparing for their A level pupils will have the opportunity to study a range of sources and also to analyse the views of contrasting historians. Pupils will study the history of more than one country or state, including at least one from outside the British Isles. Pupils will study topics from a chronological range of at least 200 years and one paper will study change over a period of 100 years. There will be a coursework component of 20% of the A Level.

Throughout the course they will be set essays that will develop their research skills and their ability to select evidence to support their arguments. Pupils are encouraged to read widely on the period they are studying and to attend History Society talks in order to further their knowledge of the subject. The study of History at A level requires a commitment to reading academic works by established historians and producing well researched essays. An A level in History provides skills that are highly regarded in a wide range of professions. Pupils have shown that they have an enquiring mind, an ability to analyse material and select the key information, are able to present an argument and work independently. Pupils may choose between early modern and modern periods of History.

Pupils will:

• Develop essay writing and will be able to use a wide range of evidence to support arguments.
• Analyse a range of sources to reach developed conclusions about historical problems.
• Through the themes paper, consider developments over at least 100 years and comprehend, analyse and evaluate the ways in which the past has been interpreted by historians through the study of individuals, events or developments.
• Undertake an independent investigation of an historical issue drawing on a range of primary and secondary material.