Exam Board: Pearson Edexcel

A Level History offers a comprehensive exploration of captivating historical events. While primarily focused on learning for the sake of knowledge, it also awards pupils a prestigious qualification, recognized by top universities as the epitome of knowledge-based critical thinking.

A level History is a flexible and wide-ranging syllabus covering modern history in the 19th and 20th centuries. The syllabus builds upon skills gained at IGCSE and develops lifelong skills including understanding issues and themes within a historical period.

The emphasis is again on both historical knowledge and on the skills required for historical research. Learners develop an understanding of cause and effect, continuity and change, similarity and difference, and use historical evidence as part of their studies. Learners can select from topics on European, American or International history.

Teachers choose which periods to focus on, allowing them to build a course that reflects their learners' interests and staff specialisms, or which is relevant to the local or regional context.

It is an experience that involves immersing pupils in sea shanties, exploring tales of daring exploits, and seeking answers to the eternal question: "Why on earth did they think that was a good idea?"

The A Level History Assessments comprises the following papers:

Paper 1: The Crusades, c1095–1204

Paper 2: England and the Angevin Empire in the reign of Henry II, 1154–89

Paper 3: The British experience of warfare, c1790–1918

Paper 4: Late Roman Britain and Early Anglo-Saxon England

Ideally, a minimum grade 6 at IGCSE level is recommended to undertake A Level History. However, students who did not study History at IGCSE can succeed. 

A Level History is an essay-based subject, where the ability to craft eloquent prose is undeniably advantageous. It also rewards extensive knowledge, as a good memory can greatly contribute to your success. Furthermore, History encourages creativity, often favouring those who approach it with a unique perspective. By introducing and debating unconventional concepts, pupils can unlock new avenues of historical discourse. Ultimately, success in this subject hinges upon the ability to articulate compelling arguments, skillfully blending persuasive language with accurate facts.