A-Level History (OCR H505)

Course Overview

History, at its core, teaches us about the peoples, cultures and events of the past. Engaging in this subject then, not only broadens your knowledge of the world we live in and how it came to be but also teaches you many skills that will support you to be successful in the future – whatever path you choose. 

History as a discipline develops your critical and analytical thinking, your ability to critique sources and interpretations, your researching skills and your clarity and complexity of communication, both written and spoken. 

During your two years at St Ivo Academy Sixth Form studying History you will learn about the following topics: 

• (Y105) England 1445-1509: Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII 

• (Y213) The French Revolution and the rule of Napoleon 1774-1815 

• (Y321) The Middle East 1908-2011: Ottomans to Arab Spring 

There is also a compulsory coursework module (Y100) which is worth 20% of the overall qualification. 

Studying history complements many other subjects such as: Politics, Geography, English Literature and Law, leading to many possible career paths. 

“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

Jasmin Hart – Jasmin.hart@astreastivo.org

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