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History A Level- Alton

A Level

historic image with men and a canon

Availability & Details

History - A Level AF1-HISTAL/C01

Venue
Alton Campus

Type of study
A Levels

Dates
Academic Year 2026-27 (2 years)

Examination board
Oxford Cambridge & RSA Examinations

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Overview

A Chinese (attributed) curse states:“May you live in interesting times”, a comment reflecting the difficulties and uncertainties that changes and unforeseen developments in everyday life can create. An awareness of the past provides us with knowledge and understanding of our world and thereby a degree of protection against “interesting times”.The study of History is vital for anyone wanting to comprehend the present and help to make informed decisions for the future. Lessons will focus on exploring key historical issues and examining how they were viewed by people at the time and by historians. As a History student, you will study a wide range of themes by exploring late twentieth-century Britain, Tsarist and Communist Russia and Tudor Foreign Policy.In your second year, you will conduct research in order to write a coursework essay. A keen interest in all aspects of the past, the ability to ask questions and a willingness to read widely are welcomed in the History department.

Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, which include English Language andMathematics. There is no need to have studied History at GCSE but at least grade 4 in another Humanities subject is preferable.

When we hear of a major event in the news we are seeing history in the making. What has happened in the pastgreatly affects all aspects of our lives in the present, and will indeed affect what happens in the future. Historiansenquire into the events of the past and attempt to produce an interpretation and reconstruction of it. We will be concerned with investigating why events happened and their significance, and try to understand the nature of historical evidence by examining documents and materials from the time. We will examine how historians have interpreted events and consider why they often disagree. Unit 1: Britain (1931-1997) Unit 2: Russia and its rulers (1894 – 1941) Unit 3: Tudor Foreign Policy (1485 – 1603) Unit 4: Independent Historical Enquiry

Lesson activities are wide ranging and include debates and discussions on matters of historical significance, to role play activities and the development of independent study.

20% coursework, 80% exam (three exam papers).

The purchase of essential textbooks across the two year course is £40.


“HSDC provided me with the opportunity for autonomous study and the choice of subjects that I wanted to study, which helped me develop relevant knowledge as well as relevant skills for the workplace.”

Lucas Ratcliffe, A Level and CTEC student

I would say it’s a college that really balances academia with fun, there is lots of extra-curricular stuff that you can get involved in. It has a really good work/life balance.

Laura Hagedorn, A Level student

College is definitely worth all the effort you put in, you get to meet lots of different people and it’s amazing.

Ebony Puttock, A Level student