A-Level History
The study of History is much more than the study of the past. Its study allows for the development of fundamental skills that are transferable to any profession.
WHAT IS A-LEVEL HISTORY?
History at Abbey College Cambridge is an interesting and often exciting experience. We focus on skills that are not only useful in achieving very good grades at A-Level, but which also help to set you up to study at some of the best British universities. The skills you learn as part of the course, such as presentation and essay writing, will help to prepare you to pursue a diverse range of careers in areas such as Law, Business or the Social Sciences.
WHY STUDY A-LEVEL HISTORY?
History isn’t all about learning dates. As well as learning about interesting events, people and periods, you will develop a wide range of skills that can be transferred to future studies and careers. History requires you to develop your ability to analyse information, evaluate arguments and engage in debate. In addition, it will greatly enhance your literacy skills.
Throughout the course you will be encouraged to think for yourself and to make sure you get the very best from your time here. It is a challenging course and suits students who really want learn about the past. After all, through understanding the past we can better understand today, and perhaps tomorrow?
WHAT WILL I STUDY IN A-LEVEL HISTORY?
Our History course follows the Edxecel specification. In the Lower Sixth, we currently study the transformation of Britain from 1918 – 1997 as well as the American boom and bust from 1920 – 1955. In Upper Sixth, we study rebellion and disorder under the Tudors between 1485 and 1603. We also write a coursework essay of between 3000 and 4000 words based on Russia between the years 1881 and 1941. These options are designed to complement students with aspirations and interests in many different areas including economics, business, literature, law and history.
Assessment
This course is by a combination of extended essay question papers and coursework.
GOOD SUBJECT COMBINATIONS TO TAKE WITH A-LEVEL HISTORY
History is an academic subject and as such it goes well with other academic subjects such as English Literature, Politics and Sociology whose study requires similar skills. However, the subject can be studied with virtually any other discipline, provided that the necessary skills and a willingness to develop or acquire them is present.
A-LEVEL HISTORY RESULTS AND DESTINATIONS
| Year | A* | A*-A | A*-B |
| 2024 | 11% | 22% | 56% |
| 2023 | 0% | 0% | 50% |
| 2021 | 17% | 67% | 100% |
No students took A-Level History in 2022.
Recent destinations of our A-Level History graduates include:
University of Cambridge to study History
Kings College London to study Philosophy, Politics and Economics
UCL to study History, Politics and Economics
University of Warwick to study Law
University of Edinburgh to study History
University of Oxford to study Psychology
