What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course?
It is not a requirement that you have studied History at GCSE in order to take an AS or Advanced GCE course in the subject. It is important that you have en enquiring mind, an interest in the past and its relevance to current affairs and an ability to communicate your ideas effectively. If you have not studied history before you will need a minimum of 5 A-C grades in your subject and a B in English language.
Those students who have studied history at GCSE need 5 A-C grades in their subjects including C grades in history and English language.
What kind of student is this course suitable for?
The course will appeal to students who:
* Have an interest in the way that the world has developed through the ages.
* Enjoy investigation and discovery.
* Enjoy debate and like putting forward a well argued case.
* Want to improve their analytical skills.
* Want to study a subject, which encourages them to consider evidence and make up their own minds.
What will I learn on this course?
During the course you will learn:
* About the significance of events, individuals, issues in history and how and why societies have
changed over time.
* About the theories of historians and the language they use.
* To discuss their ideas.
* To understand the nature of historical evidence and the methods used by historians and analyse and
evaluate it.
* To develop an understanding of how the past has been interpreted and represented.
* To express your own historical ideas confidently and effectively.
How hard will I have to work?
In addition to lesson time you will be expected to undertake at least three to four hours private study a week – at home or school. This may increase towards the end of the AS course and in to the A2 year.
What work will I be expected to do?
In lessons you will take part in a wide range of activities, which will include some of the following –
* Discussion
* Annotation of written and visual sources
* Group presentations
* Research
* Role Play
* Video and Film
Outside lessons you will be expected to do the folloing –
* Research using the library and the internet
* Read and write notes from the textbooks and other sources so that you can revise for the
examinations
* Write essays
* Work with other students on group presentations
What could I go on to do at the end of my course?
Obviously History forms an excellent preparation for further study of history at degree level. Students of any age or cultural background who study AS and A2 History have access to a wide range of career and higher education opportunities. By the end of the course you will have learned how to evaluate and analyse information, how to weigh up evidence and how to communicate complex ideas effectively. These skills are recognised and valued by employers, universities and colleges.
History provides an excellent foundation for a number of popular careers including journalism, law and business and has an important contribution to make to lifelong learning. You can talk to your teacher about different courses connected to history; you should also ask for advice from the careers service.