Why study History?

Studying History at advanced level offers chronological breadth, the opportunity to study the history of more than one state, and to engage in the deeper understanding of religious, social and ethnic diversity. Studying History here at Oriel places a great emphasis on the discipline of history, whilst empowering students with the skills and independence required to cope with the expectations, transition and challenges of undergraduate study and other pathways.

What will I study over the two years?

Component 0: History Habits – Gateway to A-level History
Component 1: Tsarist and Communist Russia, 1855-1964 (Breadth Study)
Component 2: The Making of Modern Britain, 1951-2007 (Depth Study)
Component 3: The Causes of the English Civil War, 1558-1642 (Non-Exam Assessment/Coursework)

What makes a good History student?

We emphasise clearly that succeeding in A Level History requires students to follow our ‘Steps to Success’:

• Step 1: Keeping yourself organised (including folder organisation)
• Step 2: Employing Cognitive Science strategies to study effectively
• Step 3: Reviewing notes regularly after each lesson
• Step 4: Utilising Teams for Hybrid & Remote Learning
• Step 5: Engaging in a continuous ‘cycle of improvement’ with assessments
• Step 6: Using our ‘Working At’ Reports to review progress
• Step 7: Engaging in Further Reading
• Step 8: Staying on top of knowledge throughout the course
• Step 9: Using support mechanisms (approaching the History Team, working with peers)

Where could History take me?

Career pathways include politics, local government, law, and archaeology. University options could include International Studies, Media, Journalism, Politics and other History-related degrees. We have seen a continuous increase every year in students who go on to study History or History-related degrees at University.

What are the entrance requirements?

• Grade 5 or above in History if studied; if not Grade 5 or above in English
• 5 or more grades 5-9; including equivalents across at least 5 subjects
• Maths and English Language Grade 4 or above
• Average GCSE GRADE of at least 4.0 (average of ALL GCSE full courses taken)

If you have any questions about our History A Level please chat with your History teacher or email Mr Jayasuriya mjayasuriya@oriel.w-sussex.sch.uk/ We would be very happy to answer any questions