History - KS5

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Students at SJB study History to empower them to understand a diverse range of people and societies in Britain and the wider world. This will enable them to develop an informed appreciation of current affairs, societal challenges and British values. Students will learn how to build concrete and convincing arguments and become confident at questioning the value of evidence through critical thinking. The range of topics we study are interesting, engaging, thought-provoking and support students’ understanding of other subjects.

At A-Level we follow the Edexcel Specification with the following Units:

Paper 1: In Search of the American Dream: The USA, c.1917-96 

Paper 2: : India, c1914–48: the road to independence

Paper 3: Poverty, public health and the state in Britain, c1780–1939

Coursework: Nazi Germany

For more information on their content, please see the exam specifaction below:

Exam Specification

 

The A-Level has three exams at the end of Year 13.

Paper 1: 2 hours 15 minutes, two essays and an interpretation question, 30%

Paper 2: 1 hour 30 minutes, one source question and one essay question, 20%

Paper 3: 2 hours 15 minutes, one source question and two essay questions, 30%

The coursework is a 4,000 word essay which is completed in Year 12 and is worth 20%.

A-Level History will enable you to develop a wide variety of skills which are looked on favourably by both employers and universities, including:

•Critical reasoning and analytical skills

•Intellectual rigour and independence

•The ability to construct an argument and communicate findings in a clear and persuasive manner

•Capability to work without direct supervision and manage your time and priorities effectively

•Ability to discuss ideas in groups, and to negotiate, question and summarise

•Capacity to think objectively and approach problems and new situations with an open mind

•Appreciation of the different factors that influence the activities of groups and individuals in society.

You’ll be in a group of no more than 20 students. There will be individual talks, small group activities and whole class teaching. You’ll have to analyse different types of evidence, make notes on various sources, and write essays. iPads are frequently used. The most successful students will read around the subject! History is a demanding, but rewarding, subject. You’ll have 12 lessons a fortnight and should expect to be doing the same again in your own time. Nevertheless, you’re not always stuck in a classroom; Year 12 visit London for a trip to the National Archives and the Charles Dickens Museum, and our bi-annual trip to Poland and Auschwitz will run again in 2026.  

History is a demanding and largely essay based subject at A-Level. You will therefore need to have at least a Grade 6 in one or more of the following subjects:

  • History
  • English Literature

History can lead to careers in a wide variety of areas including (but not limited to!):

Arts and Heritage

 

  • Archaeologist 
  • Art gallery manager
  • Museum curator
  • Arts administrator
  • Antiques dealer
  • Heritage manager

Teaching and Research

  • Higher education lecturer/researcher
  • Secondary school teacher
  • Social researcher

Media

  • Journalist
  • Writer
  • Public relations
  • Publishing assistant

Administrative and Support Services

  • Academic librarian
  • Archivist
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