Studying GCE History will give you the opportunity to explore key political, economic and social events which have shaped our present. It will build upon your understanding of the past and ability to make links and draw comparisons between historical periods and to identify significant turning points. 

You will develop critical thinking skills which will enable you to evaluate a range of evidence and appreciate different interpretations of the past. You will acquire a better understanding of the reasons for significant historical actions and be better informed about current affairs, and you will have the ability to place what is reported in the news about local, national and international events in its historical context. 

You will complete two exams in Year 13, and two exams in Year 14

AS 1 Historical Investigations and Interpretations 

AS 2 Historical Conflict and Change 

A2 1 Change Over Time 

A2 2 Historical Investigations and Interpretations 

History can open up a wide range of opportunities for further and higher education and interesting and rewarding careers. 

If you wish to continue with your study of history at degree level, you will need to complete the full A level course comprising the two units at AS together with the two at A2.

Through following this course, you will have the opportunity to develop skills that are transferable and are highly sought after by employers. You will have the opportunity to develop your skills and increase your self-confidence through research, having a questioning approach to evidence, arguing a case, reaching balanced conclusions based on the evidence and writing in a clear and coherent way. 

Many history students go on to have interesting and challenging careers, for example in the media, politics, teaching, business, finance or civil service. An interest in history may even direct you to a more specialist career as an archaeologist, archivist historical researcher, solicitor, barrister, museum curator or genealogist.