History - Level 3 Advanced GCE (A Level)

Qualification

Exam board: AQA  Level 3 Advanced GCE in History 

Entry Requirements 

To study History at Coombe Dean you will be required to have an interest in the past, an enquiring mind and a positive work ethic. It is recommended that students have studied History at GCSE level to grade 6 or above and have strong English language skills. 

Skills required 

Essay writing, PEEL, reaching a judgement, source analysis (3Cs), source evaluation (3Ps), independent research skills, time management.

Student testimony 

‘I chose to study History at Coombe Dean because I love the subject and knew that I would be so well supported by my teachers. I have felt confident joining in Year 12 because our teachers embedded the skills for A Level early with us at GCSE. History is great because you get to learn such a wide range of knowledge that can be applied to current situations. We debate, work in groups and independently. I love that I really have the time to delve into the subject in such great detail. The topics are really interesting, and the teachers are really enthusiastic, knowledgeable and supportive. It’s a facilitating subject, so the skills I am learning in it really compliment my other A Levels too.’ Isabelle Edwards, Year 12.  

Career paths

Course outline 

We follow the AQA exam board at A Level. Students study the topics below throughout Year 12 and Year 13:

PAPER 1C, AQA A-Level History (Paper 1C): The Tudors: England, 1485–160

What will you study?

1. Monarchs and Ministers

2. Religion and Division

3. Rebellion and Resistance

4. Society and Economy

What themes tie it all together?

This course isn't just about kings and queens. It's about:

· How power is built and challenged — just like today’s politics

· What happens when religion and government clash

· How ordinary people resist injustice

· How leaders use image, spin, and fear to stay in control

🎓 PAPER 2Q: AQA A-Level History (Paper 2Q): The American Dream: Reality and Illusion, 1945–1980

What will you study?

1. Politics: How powerful is the President – and who really controls America?

2. Civil Rights: Who gets to live the American Dream?

3. Society: How did America change at home?

4. Foreign Policy: How did America use its global power — and at what cost?

What themes tie it all together?

This course isn’t just a list of events. It’s about big questions that still matter:

· Is freedom just a word — or a lived experience?

· Who holds power — and who gets left behind?

· Can a democracy survive division, inequality, and scandal?

AQA A-Level History (NEA): Coursework- you decide!

This is your chance to immerse yourself into your favourite period of time. All students will conduct independent research to complete a 3000 – 4000 word essay on a topic of their choice, which may arise out of content studied elsewhere in the course. This is completed in lesson time and counts for 20% of your A Level.

Course outline/assessment 

All topics, aside from the coursework, are examined at the end of Year 13. Prior to this, students will complete assessments within their lessons alongside mock exams.  

Paper 1C: The Tudors, England, 1485-1603 

40% A level Exam 

40% A level Exam 

Coursework (NEA) Student Choice

20% of your A Level, assessed by your teachers