OCR
Why study History?
History is not the story of strangers, aliens from another realm; it is the story of us had we been born a little earlier. The study of History fires the imagination: can we imagine being a Roman, an African American hearing Martin Luther King speak, an RAF pilot in the Battle of Britain, perhaps even a Nazi? Everything that we have has been inherited from the past; we ‘stand on the shoulders of giants’. Our societies were not invented on the spur of the moment; they have evolved over the course of the life span of the human species. Everything from the laws we abide by to the cars that we drive were developed by our ancestors. To understand History, then, is to understand what it is to be human.
History is also one of the most respected academic subjects among universities. For example, Cambridge University recommends History as one of the top A Level choices, while the Russell Group class it as a facilitating subject, providing the ideal preparation for a range of university courses. In its own right the study of History equips you with the ability to research, write, analyse and interpret complex information as well as solve problems, formulate opinions and debate with confidence. It also combines well with both science and arts subjects and allows you to keep your university and career options open. It is therefore no surprise that History graduates can be found at the top of a wide range of professions, including making up a proportionally huge 10% of all directors of top businesses. Whether you see your future in the past or whether you see the past in your future, try it for yourself and see!
What does the course involve?
Our selection of topics from those offered by OCR is designed to give you both breadth and depth in your historical studies, enabling you to study a variety of different countries and time periods.
England 1485–1558, the Early Tudors: learn about the beginnings of the most dramatic dynasty in history which shaped the foundations of the British nation as we know it (assessed by exam, 25% of final A level).
Russia 1894-1941: understand how Russia was transformed by the revolutionary dream of Communism, which then quickly became a murderous nightmare (assessed by exam, 15% of final A level).
Civil Rights in the USA 1865-1992: see the struggle of African Americans, Native Americans, Women and Workers to achieve equality in America, the supposed ‘Land of the Free’ (assessed by exam, 40% of final A level).
Coursework unit: a chance for you to research and produce an essay on a topic of particular interest to you (assessed by non-exam assessment, 20% of final A level).
What are the entry requirements?
We require that students have gained at least a grade 6 in the subject at GCSE (a grade 7 or above is recommended) in order to stand a good chance of success at A Level. You will also need to be prepared for lots of reading, in addition to essay writing. Those who have any questions regarding their suitability for the course or who did not study History at GCSE but are interested in it at A Level are welcome to contact Miss McDowell for further information.