History
Studying History allows you to explore the past in new ways, learn how to make meaningful connections and comparisons between different historical events, and effectively communicate your insights through various forms of expression.
Why study History?
This course enables you to deepen your passion for history while exploring connections between past events and effectively communicating your insights. It encourages you to become an independent, critical thinker with a curious and reflective mindset. You’ll develop valuable skills in questioning and researching the past, which are highly regarded by universities and employers.
What skills do you develop?
- Research skills
- Evaluation of sources
- Writing and constructing arguments
- Contextual thinking
- Empathy,
- Understanding change over time
Why careers can you pursue?
- Degrees in History
- Archaeology
- Heritage/Museum work
- Law
- Journalism
- Politics
- Teaching
- Cultural/Heritage Sector
- Public Policy
AS & A level components
-
Unit 1: Period Study (Government, Rebellion and Society in Wales and England, 1485-1603)
Assessment
- Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Essay questions
- 60 marks
- 20% of A Level
Unit 2: Depth Study (Part 1 – Weimar Germany, 1918-1933)
Assessment
- Written examination: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Evidence-based questions with a focus on evaluating contemporary sources and historical interpretations
- 60 marks
- 20% of A Level
-
Unit 3: Breadth Study (The American Century, 1890-1990)
Assessment
- Written examination: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Essay questions
- 60 marks
- 20% of the A Level
Unit 4: Depth Study (Part 2 – Nazi Germany, 1933-1945)
Assessment
- Written examination: 1 hour 45 minutes
- One evidence-based question and one essay question
- 60 marks
- 20% of the A Level
Unit 5: Non-examined Assessment (NEA)
A personal study based on a topic related to Unit 3.
Assessment
- A written response of 3000-4000 words
- Marked by teachers
- Moderated by WJEC
- 60 marks
- 20% of the A Level
Subject FAQ’s
Which examination board?
WJEC
Does the AS count towards the A level or is it a standalone qualification?
The AS counts towards the A level. All students will sit the AS at the end of Year 12.
How will you be assessed?
AS
Unit 1: Period study (Government, Rebellion and Society in Wales and England, 1485-1603)
Assessment
- written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes
- essay questions
- 60 marks
- 20% of A level
Unit 2: Depth Study (Part 1 – Weimar Germany, 1918-1933)
Assessment
- written examination: 1 hour 45 minutes
- evidence-based questions with a focus on evaluating contemporary sources and historical interpretations
- 60 marks
- 20% of A level
A Level
Unit 3: Breadth Study (The American Century, 1890-1990)
Assessment
- written examination: 1 hour 45 minutes
- essay questions
- 60 marks
- 20% of the A level
Unit 4: Depth Study (Part 2 – Nazi Germany, 1933-1945)
Assessment
- written examination: 1 hour 45 minutes
- one evidence-based question and one essay question
- 60 marks
- 20% of the A level
Unit 5: Non-examined Assessment (NEA)
A personal study based on a topic related to Unit 3.
Assessment
- a written response of 3000-4000 words
- marked by teachers
- moderated by WJEC
- 60 marks
- 20% of the A level
