A-Level Mathematics

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Students choose History because it is a varied subject, fascinating in its own right and central to an understanding of current affairs. At the Knights Templar School, we aim to enhance students’ interest and enthusiasm for the past.

We provide opportunities to explore significant events, people and issues, and encourage students to acquire a deep knowledge and understanding of History.

We enable students to foster and develop a wide range of skills which are transferable to a range of careers. These include the ability to communicate their knowledge and opinions effectively, and the ability to debate; presenting clear, concise, logical ideas and arguments which they are able to confidently support.

Students will also further develop their skills of interpretation as well as the ability to evaluate usefulness and reliability when working with evidence.

Courses Offered

A Level History (AQA)

Syllabus Breakdown

Component 1F: Britain: Industrialisation and the People, c. 1783 – 1885

Exam – worth 40% of A Level.

Component 2R: The Cold War c. 1945 – 1991

Exam – worth 40% of A Level

Component NEA: Indian Independence 1857 – 1947

Coursework – worth 20% of A Level

Minimum Entry Requirements

In addition to our general Sixth Form entry requirements of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, students will need to achieve at least a grade 5 in History at GCSE.

Why Study This Subject?

History as a very well established and respected A Level which is held in high esteem by all universities who all appreciate the challenge, range of skills and academic rigour which it requires from, and develops in students. Similarly, employers have a strong respect for History as a qualification because they appreciate the demands of the subject and they are confident students will have acquired valuable transferable skills as well as knowledge and understanding of the past. These include:

• Understanding of history and development as it applies to nations and groups of people.

• Efficiency in oral and written presentation skills.

• Detailed research skills.

• Proficient interview skills and techniques.

• Proper and accurate record keeping skills.

• Critical thinking skills.

• Strong interpersonal communications skills.

• ‘Report writing’ skills.

Wider Opportunities

Students are regularly directed to resources or places to visit that can enhance their learning and deepen their understanding of the periods studied. For example, the school library is well-resourced with a range of wider reading, whilst the department provides a list of films and TV series that students can explore. Students are also directed towards visits they can make independently, for example to Apsley House to enhance their understanding of Wellington, a key figure within the British side of the course.

What Our Students Say:

‘The trip to Berlin in Year 12 as part of the A level course is fantastic. It is a living example of the course and is extremely beneficial to students both socially and academically.’

‘The teachers are so passionate about the subject and are always willing to help you.’

‘Supportive, friendly and enthusiastic teachers, you know they genuinely care about your studies.’

‘I took History because I really enjoyed it at GCSE and want to learn more, especially new things.’

‘I chose History as it is a really useful and valued academic subject which will help me with whatever I choose to do in the future.’

What Can I Do Next?

History is frequently a qualification which provides a route into careers such as law, journalism, management, personnel work, public relations, the Civil Service and many other fields.

This is evident in the range of highly respected History graduates from the present and recent past: Nicky Campbell, Simon Mayo, Jeremy Bowen (BBC foreign affairs correspondent), Sacha Baron Cohen, Jonathan Ross, Louis Theroux, Marmaduke Hussey (BBC Chairman of Governors), QC Michael Mansfield, Brian Walden, Melvyn Bragg, Gordon Brown, Alan Milburn and John Prescott.