A Level History

Examination Board: AQA

Course Type: A Level

Examination Board Specification: Click here (Options J & O)

Assessment Objectives :

        • AO1: Demonstrate, organise and communicate knowledge and understanding to analyse and evaluate the key features related to the periods studied, making substantiated judgements and exploring concepts, as relevant, of cause, consequence, change, continuity, similarity, difference and significance.

        • AO2: Analyse and evaluate appropriate source material, primary and/or contemporary to the period, within its historical context.

        • AO3: Analyse and evaluate, in relation to the historical context, different ways in which aspects of the past have been interpreted.


Unit 1: Option J - The British Empire 1857 - 1967


The rise and fall of the British Empire is studied from the indian Rebellion of 1857 until the African and Asian colonies gained their independence. There are a number of themes that are revisited throughout the study -


  • British involvement in Africa and Asia.

  • The importance of Trade and Commerce.

  • Colonial administration.

  • The impact of individuals.

  • Attitudes towards Imperialism in Britain.

  • Relations with indigenous peoples.


The study is assessed in a 2 hour 30 minute exam.


Students will analyse and evaluate 3 extracts and answer 2 out of 3 essays.



Unit 2: Option O - Democracy and Nazism - Germany 1918 - ‘45


German history from the end of WW1 to the end of WW2 is the core of this study. The tragic tale of a country torn apart, divided and then destroyed by the racist dreams of a megalomaniac dictator. Key areas of study -


  • Germany’s struggles under the Weimar Republic.

  • The recovery of the ‘Golden twenties.’

  • The Nazi rise to power.

  • Hitler’s consolidation of power.

  • The Nazi coordination of Germany.

  • Life in Nazi Germany in peace and war.


The study is assessed in a 2 hour 30 minute exam.


Students will analyse and evaluate 3 extracts and answer 2 out of 3 essays.



Unit 3: NEA (Coursework) - The causes of the French Revolution.


Students will analyse the importance of a variety of factors as causes of the French Revolution.


  • L’Ancien regime.

  • The reigns of Louis XIV, XV and XVI.

  • The Enlightenment.

  • The financial crisis.


This is a largely independently researched project with a maximum of 4500 words.

Where can A-Level History lead to?


A study of History is highly regarded and is closely associated with success in the following occupations -


  • Consultancy

  • Education

  • Hospitality and Tourism

  • Investment management

  • Law

  • Public sector

  • Publishing and media