History (Russia & China)

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

Students who have not studied GCSE History must demonstrate strong literacy skills in essay‑based subjects.

Year 1

You will study the rise of Communism in Russia and China, exploring themes including:

• Government and political systems
• Economic development
• Methods of control
• Impact on society

You will also develop source analysis skills and engage with different historical interpretations.

Year 2

You will study the experience of warfare in Britain over 150 years, including:

• The French Wars (from c.1793)
• The Crimean War
• The Second Boer War
• The First World War

Skills Developed

• Analytical and critical thinking
• Essay writing and structured argument
• Source evaluation
• Research and interpretation skills

Teaching is delivered through a mix of individual and group work, encouraging students to take responsibility for their learning.

You will engage with historical sources, discussions and independent study to deepen your understanding.

Assessment includes:

• Three written exams
• Non‑Exam Assessment (NEA) – a 3,000–4,000 word essay worth 20% of the A Level

Regular feedback supports development of essay writing and analytical skills.

• Exam board textbooks
• Learning Resource Centre with books and academic journals
• Additional support materials for independent study

A range of optional trips are available as part of the course:

• Day visits may cost around £30
• Overseas trips may cost around £350

Students are also recommended to purchase revision guides to support their study.

All visits are optional.

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.

A Level History supports progression into:

• University degrees (e.g. History, Politics, Law, Humanities)
• Apprenticeships and careers requiring strong analytical and communication skills
• The course develops transferable skills valued in a wide range of professions.

Students can take part in a range of enrichment activities, including:

• Day visits to course‑related sites (e.g. Oxford, Tintern Abbey, SS Great Britain)
• Residential visits to locations such as the battlefields of Belgium and Edinburgh
• University conferences to support progression to higher education

These activities enhance classroom learning and provide real‑world historical context.