History Exam Board AQA Why study History? History is about people. It is the study of the past through compelling stories that tell us about the ideas and events that have been and are destined to be repeated. It will sharpen your ability to think critically, to consider options and make judgements that are based on facts and not opinion. Moreover, history opens doors to future employment. It doesn’t shoehorn you down one career path at the end of A level but instead opens up a multitude of possibilities to be explored.
Case Study - Amirah Why I chose History “I chose History as it has always been my favourite subject and I had thoroughly enjoyed studying it at GCSE. I am interested in learning about the past and how that has affected and moulded our current society.”
What can I expect?
What I like best about the course…
We follow the AQA History linear course, with assessment being based on two exams at the end of year 13. We study the following topics:
“The diversity of the topics. This has enabled me to become more aware and analytical about events in other countries as well as our own. The Tudor module is so different to the Russian and Arab Israeli modules and this has helped me to develop a much broader understanding of history.”
• The Tudor Dynasty 1485-1603: You will study the reigns of the famous Tudor monarchs, Henry VII, Henry VIII, Edward, Mary and Elizabeth and evaluate the significance of the events and actions that shaped this fascinating period in English history. • Russia 1917-1954: You will examine the Russian Revolution which overthrew the imperial reign of Tsar Nicholas II and the path to dictatorship taken by Lenin and Stalin in the new USSR from 1917-1953. • The Arab Israeli Crisis, 1900-2011 – This is a coursework module examining the roots of ongoing Arab Israeli tension in the Middle East.
Where I hope it will take me… “I intend on either studying law at university or carry out a solicitor apprenticeship. Either way, I know for certain that studying History at A Level has set me up perfectly for law and a future career in it, as History has allowed me to develop a critical, logical and analytical mindset.”
Where could it lead? History doesn’t close doors. Employers respect the academic and critical nature of a history degree and historians can enter virtually any employment that they choose, from lawyers, bankers and civil servants to accountants, investors and politicians. Studying history at A Level and beyond provides you the opportunity to enter virtually any career and gives you the option and time to make an informed choice as to what that career will be.
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