History A Level
About A Levels
A levels are subject-specific qualifications normally studied after GCSEs or International GCSEs, though they are appropriate at any age to gain a qualification in a subject in which you are interested.
The qualification is made up of two levels: the AS level & the A2 level. The AS level is the first half of a full A level & is a qualification on its own. The A2 level builds on the knowledge gained from both the AS level, as well as the GCSE level. Both the AS & A2 levels & examinations must be successfully completed to gain a full A level.
Students usually take 1 year to complete the AS & a further year to complete the A2
- so a full A level usually takes two years. This fast track A level, however, lets you complete the course in half the time (i.e. one year instead of two years). The fast track A level works in exactly the same way & you get the same certificate as you would on the two-year course.
A levels are highly valued by schools, colleges & employers. They are at level 3 on the National Qualifications Framework & they carry UCAS points, which will be awarded according to the grade achieved (A = 120, B = 100, C = 80).
Many courses at university or college will require you to take A levels in certain subjects. We recommend you check the requirements for those courses & take the appropriate subject A levels.
About Our A Level History Course
On completion of your two part course you will be able to:
Recall, select & deploy historical knowledge accurately
Communicate historical knowledge
Present historical explanations
Show understanding of appropriate concepts
Arrive at substantiated judgements
History, as its name suggests, is a study of the past. It is certainly true to say that in order to understand the conflicts & difficulties of the present world you need to understand what has happened over previous years. Many of today’s politicians & world leaders are well aware of the events of the past & often use them as guidelines in dealing with present problems & crises. History encourages you to absorb & learn key facts & data before analysing which pieces of information are the most important & most significant. A key skill of any historian is to make an informed judgement on an important historical issue having weighed up all of the information & evidence available.
From 2008 onwards, History, like most A-Levels, altered its format & reduced the number of units/modules from 6 to 4. This means that there are two units to be studied at AS Level (1 & 2), & two units to be studies at A2 Level (3 & 4).
All of the information within the units is written in line with the requirements of the Edexcel examination board
Specification. All units are broken down into clear chronological periods & topics, & students should spend the amount of time studying for each topic as advised by their course tutor.
There are regular short assignments set throughout each unit, along with model/specimen exam questions also. Key words & definitions are also highlighted & explained. At the end of each module there is a formal tutor-marked assessment which, when completed, should be sent to your tutor, via e-mail or conventional post.
This course focuses on 20th century History, specifically in relation to the USA, the Soviet Union & Britain. Key historical figures covered by the course include Churchill, Stalin, Kennedy & Reagan. The AS & A2 modules link together & students are advised to select an A2 coursework option within this 100 year historical period & which complements, but not duplicates, what they have already studied during the course.
What Can I Do After Completing This A Level in History?
Getting A levels can provide you with a variety of options, such as work, further study or an apprenticeship.
After successful completion of this course, you could apply to university, a BTEC Higher National, NVQ, a BTEC Apprenticeship or a mixture of these qualifications.
If you are applying to a UK university you are likely to apply through the University & College Admission Service (UCAS). You can find out more about UCAS & how A levels are valued by Further & Higher education institutes on the UCAS website.
Financing Your History A Level
While our ' Fees' tab below shows only full payment options, we do offer alternatives for financing your A level course. You can either pay everything up front so you don't have to think about it again, or we have an instalment payment plan available, whereby you pay a deposit of £100.84 plus 5 monthly intalments of £60.84.
To take advantage of our monthly instalment plan, you'll need to contact us directly to enrol at +44 (0) 1288 356300, or info@stonebridge.uk.com.