Advanced Subsidiary (AS) and Advanced Level History (A2) From September 2008 students choosing Advanced level History will follow the AS level in lower sixth and progress to the Advanced level (A2) in upper sixth.

Students study two modules in lower sixth and two more in the upper sixth. The content includes aspects of European, British and Irish History.

AS Level in Lower Sixth

Module 1 Unification of Italy and Germany 1815-1871 - 50% of AS.

Module 2 France 1815-1871 - 50% of AS

Advanced Level in Upper Sixth

Module 3 Liberalism and Nationalism in Europe 1814-1914 - 20% of A2

Module 4 The Partition of Ireland 1900-1925 - 30% of A2

Examinations

The course follows the specifications outlined by CCEA. Module examinations are usually of 1½ or 2 hours and the tasks involved focus on the use of sources and detailed structured responses to questions.

There is no coursework in AS or A2 History.

Teaching

Students are expected to read widely and prepare thoroughly for class using study guides. Here the emphasis is on discussion and debate, together with the evaluation of sources. Students must to be prepared to read widely beyond a single textbook, using library and Internet sources. They may have the opportunity to take part in wider debates using Computer Conferencing and to attend History conferences throughout the province.

Career Opportunities

History encourages logical thinking and good written and oral communication skills. In recent years successful students have followed careers in: law, business, marketing, public relations, leisure management, journalism, accountancy, social work, psychology, teaching and public administration.

Employers

Employers value History skills because history students can:

  • work on their own and make independent decisions;
  • offer a variety of solutions to a problem;
  • communicate ideas clearly and argue a case well;
  • handle and interpret a lot of information when carrying out investigative work;
  • analyse situations and write reports which are concise, relevant and well supported;
  • understand and appreciate different points of view.

Entry Requirements

There are no formal requirements for studying A-Level History although the vast majority of those who do have gained at least grade B at GCSE Level. Students taking the subject should enjoy reading and discussing topics and they should be prepared to work a great deal on their own.

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