Examination Board : OCR History A
Link to Specification : http://www.ocr.org.uk/Data/publications/.../AS_A_Level_GCE_History_A_Specification.pdf
Units Taken : F961, F964, F965, F966

A Level History is primarily a modern History course. At AS, students will study the foreign and imperial policies that Britain followed from the mid 19th century to the outbreak of WWI and the development of dictatorship and democracy in Germany 1933-1963. All A2 History students must study the origins and development of the Cold War and pursue an independent investigation. A2 History students can choose to study either Russia and its Rulers in the 19th and 20th centuries, or the development of civil rights in the USA 1865-1992.

Interrogating and evaluating source material.
Assessing continuity and change over a period of time.
The ability to discriminate between the significance of a range of factors.
Reaching strong and supported judgements.
Assessing causation and consequences.
Structuring sustained, multi-causal arguments.

Entry Requirements (all A2 subjects carry a minimum requirement of a D-grade AS level)

The school offer for entry is 5 GCSEs at B Grade and above with English Language or Literature and Mathematics at A* - C grade.

Students must gain a B or above in History and English Language GCSE

Entry Suggestions

Students taking History will have an interest in studying the motivations of individuals, groups and governments in the past. An enquiring mind is essential, as is the ability to discuss and engage actively with a range of historical themes and perspectives.

If you are made an offer and meet the required grade, you will be expected to complete the following before your first lesson in September:


Learn 5 facts about Britain in the mid 19th century.
Learn 5 facts about Nazi Germany.
Learn 5 facts about West and East Germany (1949-1963).

Resources needed for this course (Books, Field-trips etc)

J. Aldred, British Imperial and Foreign Policy 1846-1980, Heinemann Advanced History, Oxford, 2004.