History (Modern)
A Level History (Modern World – Democracies in Change) explores how democratic nations such as Britain and the USA developed through the challenges of the 20th century. You’ll examine political, social and economic change while developing advanced analytical and evaluation skills.
This course is ideal if you enjoy essay‑based subjects and want to understand how modern democracies evolved.
- Qualification
- A Level
- Exam Board
- Edexcel
- Duration
- 2 years
Why study History (Modern) at St Brendan’s?
This course helps you develop critical thinking and analytical skills through the study of real historical events and debates. You will explore how societies respond to change and evaluate different interpretations of history.
History is a highly respected subject that supports progression into a wide range of academic and career pathways.
Entry requirements
- 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above
- GCSE English Language at grade 5, or English Language grade 4 plus English Literature grade 5
- GCSE History at grade 5 or above (if taken)
- GCSE Maths at grade 3 or above
Course examination breakdown
What else do I need to know?
5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above
GCSE English Language at grade 5, or English Language grade 4 plus English Literature grade 5
GCSE History at grade 5 or above (if taken)
GCSE Maths at grade 3 or above
year1
You will explore how liberal democracies such as Britain and the USA developed differently, despite shared histories. You will analyse political, social and economic change across the 20th century
year2
As part of the modern history pathway, you will also study the experience of warfare in Britain over 150 years, including major conflicts such as:
The French Wars
The Crimean War
The Second Boer War
The First World War
skillsDeveloped
Analytical and critical thinking
Essay writing and argument development
Source analysis and evaluation
Research and interpretation skills
Verbal communication and presentation
Teaching includes a mix of:
Individual and group work
Presentations and discussions
Lectures from teachers and visiting speakers
Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning and develop independence.
Assessment includes:
Three written exams
Non‑Exam Assessment (NEA) coursework – 3000-4000 word essay
The NEA develops independent research and essay‑writing skills and contributes to the final A Level grade.
Exam board textbooks
Learning Resource Centre with recommended books and academic journals
Access to a range of research materials
Optional trips are available as part of the course:
Day visits may cost around £30-£50
Overseas trips may cost around £500 (not guaranteed)
Students are also recommended to purchase revision guides to support their learning.
All visits are optional.
Students must choose one History pathway only:
Early Modern World
Modern World – Communist States
Modern World – Democracies in Change
You cannot study more than one History pathway at the same time.
A Level History supports progression into:
University courses (e.g. History, Politics, Law, Humanities)
Apprenticeships
Careers requiring strong analytical, research and communication skills
Students can take part in a variety of enrichment opportunities, including:
Day visits to course‑related locations (e.g. Portsmouth and the SS Great Britain)
Residential visits to locations such as the battlefields of Belgium
University conferences and visiting speakers to support progression to higher education
These activities enhance understanding and provide real‑world historical context.
Progression opportunities
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