History (Early)
Early Modern History A Level gives you the chance to explore one of the most dramatic and transformative periods in English and World history. You’ll uncover the political, religious and social changes that shaped the Tudor era - from the rise of Henry VII to the challenges and crises of the mid‑Tudor period, to exploring the rise of Kingdoms of West Africa to the challenges of the Witchcraze and Popular Culture in the 16th and 17th centuries
If you enjoy asking questions, analysing evidence and understanding how people and decisions shaped the course of history, this course is a great fit. At St Brendan’s, you’ll learn in a friendly, supportive environment where big ideas are explained clearly, and you’ll be encouraged to develop your own interpretations.
- Qualification
- A Level
- Exam Board
- OCR
- Duration
- 2 years
Why study History (Early) at St Brendan’s?
Studying Early Modern History helps you understand how England transitioned from medieval monarchy to a more modern state. You’ll examine monarchs, ministers, rebellions and religious upheaval, while building skills in analysis, evaluation and structured writing.
At St Brendan’s, our teachers bring the period to life using clear explanations, engaging discussions and accessible resources. You’ll feel supported as you learn how historians interpret events - and how you can develop your own evidence‑based arguments.
There are 3 different History A-levels on offer at St Brendan’s, each of which covers a range of historical periods and different countries. Students select one course to follow:
Early Modern World
Modern World - Communist States
Modern World - Democracies in Change
Entry requirements
- 5 GCSE’s at grade 4 or above
- GCSE Maths grade 3 or above
- GCSE English Language grade 5 or above
- English Language grade 4 + English Literature grade 5 (as alternative)
- GCSE History (Grade 5 or above) recommended but not required
Course examination breakdown
What else do I need to know?
5 GCSE’s at grade 4 or above
GCSE Maths grade 3 or above
GCSE English Language grade 5 or above
English Language grade 4 + English Literature grade 5 (as alternative)
GCSE History (Grade 5 or above) recommended but not required
year1
Unit 1: The Early Tudors, 1484-1558
Henry VII, 1485-1509: Government, Yorkist threats and foreign policy
Henry VIII, 1509-1547: Government, religious change, and foreign policy
Edward VI & Mary I: Stability of the monarchy, religious change, rebellion and unrest.
Unit 2: African Kingdoms: c.1400-c.1800
The Songhay Empire c.1450–1591
The Kingdom of Kongo c.1400–c.1709
The Kingdom of Benin c.1500–c.1750
The Kingdoms and Empires of Oyo and Dahomey1608–c.1800
year2
Unit 3: Popular Culture and the Witchcraze in the 16th and 17th Centuries
Popular culture and belief systems
Reasons for the growth and decline in the persecution of witches
The nature of those accused of witchcraft
The responses of the authorities to witchcraft
Unit 4: NEA
The North Berwick Witch Trails, 1590-92
Use of primary sources and historians’ interpretations
3,000–4,000‑word coursework
skillsDeveloped
Critical reading and interpretation of sources
Structured, persuasive essay writing
Research and independent enquiry
Understanding of cause and consequence
Confidence discussing complex ideas
Lessons include clear teacher explanations, debates, document analysis, group work and research activities. You’ll examine historians’ arguments, explore primary sources and practise writing in manageable stages so your confidence continues to grow.
You’ll complete past‑paper questions, timed essays and source tasks. Feedback focuses on helping you develop analytical depth, historical judgement and strong exam technique.
Assessment:
Paper 1: England 1485–1558: The Early Tudors (Y106) — 1 hr 30 min (OCR – specification content)
Paper 2 & coursework: Following OCR Early Modern options (text‑based, source‑based and thematic questions)
Non‑Exam Assessment: Independent Historical Investigation
Access to OCR‑approved textbooks and digital sources
Primary documents and Tudor‑era case studies
Online learning platforms
Support for coursework planning and research
No compulsory costs. Optional revision guides, museum visits or trips may involve a small charge.
Students choose one History pathway only:
Early Modern World
Modern World – Communist States
Modern World – Democracies in Change
You cannot take more than one History pathway simultaneously.
This A Level supports progression into:
History
Politics & International Relations
Law
Archaeology
Education
Heritage & Museum Studies
Journalism and media
The analytical, evaluative and writing skills developed are valued by universities and employers.
Students may take part in:
Guest lectures and debates
University taster sessions
Historical site or museum visits
Independent reading groups
Progression opportunities
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