Course information
History
South and City College Birmingham - Birmingham
01216946293
129 Floodgate Street, Birmingham, B5 5SU
Course summary

A Level pathways are designed to prepare you for higher education and beyond, be it a degree, research or a wide range of careers. In year one you will study the AS specification and take exams in May/June. If successful, you will progress to year two and complete the full A-level. History A Level is based on two main areas of study: Britain 1951-2007 (breadth study) and The USSR 1855-1964 (depth study). These are taken from the AQA exam board. On this course you will develop an understanding of how history has shaped current events and develop the ability to critique a range of historical perspectives and readings, as well as to develop rational thinking and to put that into words. The course will be delivered through a range of interactive lectures and practical sessions which will involve group debate and discussion. The coursework sessions will be in a workshop style format, where you will work both independently and in a group to complete project work. You may have the opportunity to go on a number of linked trips. At present there is a proposed trip planned to Cosford Museum and a trip to the Imperial War Museum, in London. You will be assessed throughout the course via, essays, presentations, reports and independent research. You will have two exams in year one and two exams and a research project in year two. At least a grade D at AS is necessary to progress to year two. As part of your study programme, all students are required to complete a minimum of 20 hours work experience in both year one and two. This will help develop the personal qualities and skills required by universities and employers.

Entry requirements

You will need 5 curriculum GCSEs grades 4 or above, two must be at grade 6 and include GCSE English language.

How you'll be assessed

AS Level: Component 1: The making of Modern Britain 1951-1979 • The study of significant historical developments over a period of around 50 years and associated historical interpretations • Assessment: Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes including two questions (one compulsory), worth 50 marks and 50% of AS Component 2: Tsarist and Communist Russia 1855-1918 • This involves the in-depth study of a major historical change or development and associated primary evidence • Assessment: Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes including two questions (one compulsory), worth 50 marks and 50% of AS A Level: Component 1: The Making of Modern Britain 1951-2007 • Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes including three questions (one compulsory), worth 80 marks and 40% of full A Level Component 2: Tsarist and Communist Russia 1855-1964 • Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes including three questions (one compulsory), worth 80 marks and 40% of full A-level Component 3: Historical Investigation worth 20% of the full A level • A personal study based on a topic of your choice. This should take the form of a question in the context of approximately 100 years. It must not duplicate the content of options chosen for Components 1 and 2. • Assessment: 3000–3500 words on topic of student’s choice, worth 40 marks and 20% of A-level. It is marked by your teacher and moderated by AQA. Through the topics studied in Components 1, 2 and 3 (Historical investigation), you must cover a chronological range of at least 200 years. History year 1 contains 2 units, an additional 2 units are completed for the full A-level programme of study.

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionWest Midlands
Local AuthorityBirmingham
Ofsted RatingGood
Gender TypeMixed
Address129 Floodgate Street, Birmingham, B5 5SU