Entry Requirements

GCSE History Grade 6 or higher 

Exam Board: OCR

Why Study History?

Students that study history will develop the ability to interpret a range of historical sources, access information to make informed judgements, argue and debate controversial issues and write formal essays supported by relevant historical evidence. You will be involved in debates and discussions that will often be informed by the independent completion of background reading; an ability to work both independently and collaboratively in order to undertake historical enquiries is essential. We conduct university visits and are given access to their libraries for the coursework units and we take students on conferences from leading academics through the A-Level Conference Company. History complements a multitude of other subjects due to its use of contemporary and source information to develop effective research skills, as well as all humanities subjects such as RE, Sociology, Psychology, English, Geography, Politics and more. History is one of the most highly respected academic subjects for students to choose when considering their university choices. Students choosing to continue their historical studies at undergraduate level benefit from a strong departmental track-record of entry to top universities; for instance, students have gained places to read History at institutions such as Cambridge, King’s College London, York, Exeter and beyond in recent years. 

What Topics Will I Study?

 Unit 1: British Period Study

• OCR Y107: England 1547-1603, The Later Tudors: 25%

 Unit 2: Non-British Period Study

• OCR Y219: Russia 1894-1941: 15%

Unit 3: Thematic Study & Historical Interpretation

• OCR Y321: The Middle East 1908-2011: Ottomans to Arab Spring: 40%

Unit 4: Topic Based Essay

• OCR Y100: Learners will complete a 3000–4000 word essay on a topic of their choice, which may arise out of content studied elsewhere in the course. This is an internally assessed unit. Students may choose a topic that it either a part of a unit they have already studied OR they may choose an independent topic: 20%

How Will I Be Assessed?

Units 1–3 will be assessed by examination (in the summer of Year 13)

Unit 4 will be assessed by coursework.

What Careers or Higher Education Follow from this Subject?

History is a highly respected subject and is excellent preparation for a range of university degrees. Scholars that study History may go on to study History, Law, Sociology, the Social Sciences, Media, Politics, Philosophy, Economics, American Studies, Middle Eastern Studies and even the Sciences. Due to its multidisciplinary nature, History equips its students with key academic and life skills making them attractive candidates at undergraduate level and beyond.

History opens up a very broad range of career opportunities. These include law, the media, journalism, detective work, banking, marketing, advertising, politics, working on television, research jobs, academic careers in History, teaching and much more. Many people that study History develop successful careers in Law, Journalism, the Media, Politics, set up their own businesses, economics, international development and charity work, humanitarian groups and activist groups such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International.

Other Opportunities Available Whilst Studying This Course

RR6 involves its students in many trips and visits. These include A-Level students’ conferences run by professional and academic historians. We also support our students’ independent research of their coursework by arranging trips to undergraduate libraries. We have well-established links with a range of universities.