A-Level History (OCR H505)

Course Overview

A-level History is bursting with thought provoking topics including interesting individuals such as Stalin, William Pitt the Younger and Michael Collins.

The study of A-level history requires you to weigh up differing points of view, to consider the perspectives of a range of authors, to critically analyse information and to debate with your peers. You will be expected to read around the subject and develop independent learning skills.

History works well with politics, geography, English literature and law and may lead into careers in journalism, media, law, the civil service, teaching and many more as the skills you learn in history will be useful whatever your career path. Our European and British History course is taught by specialist staff and supported by online resources. Twenty percent of the course is coursework.You will study:

  • British period study and enquiry
  • Non-British period study
  • Thematic study and historical interpretations

“When I was applying for university, history A-level was seen as a well-respected subject.”

St Ivo Student

Course Code: H505

Minimum Entry Requirements

  • A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including English and mathematics
  • If history studied at GCSE grade 5+

Exam Board: OCR

Assessment

  • 80% Exam
  • 20% Coursework

Choosing your post-16 options is an important decision, and St Ivo Academy Sixth Form is here to guide you. Applications are welcome from students in St Ives and beyond via the MyChoice16 platform.

Step-by-step application process

  1. Log in to your MyChoice16 account.
  2. Select ‘My Applications’. To start a new application, click ‘Start a new Application’; to continue an existing one, click ‘Continue’ next to your application.
  3. Complete all sections of your Profile Template if this is your first application. For additional applications, only ‘Course Choices’ needs to be completed.
  4. Qualifications will be uploaded by the school—this section can be skipped. Your form tutor will add a reference.
  5. Complete any remaining fields or checkboxes. Click ‘Send Application’ to submit.
  6. Your application status will update (eg. Sent, Schools Hold). The school will review your application to ensure it meets the requirements, and you may be asked to discuss it with a teacher.
  7. Monitor your application regularly and respond promptly to any notifications.
  8. All applicants will be invited to an interview before a provisional offer is made.

 

Law & Politics

  • Solicitor / Barrister (with further study)
  • Civil Service / Policy Advisor
  • Politician / Political Researcher

Heritage & Research

  • Historian / Academic Researcher
  • Archivist / Museum or Gallery Curator
  • Archaeologist
  • Librarian / Records Manager

Media & Communication

  • Journalist / Editor
  • Writer / Author
  • Broadcaster / Documentary Researcher

Other Related Careers

  • Teacher / Lecturer in History
  • Business and Management roles
  • Charity / NGO work

Dr Michael Craig – Michael.Craig@astreastivo.org

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