Apart from increasing your historical knowledge, this course will help develop your research skills. You will need to read source material, draw out inferences, make connections and argue a case. You will be taught a range of historic areas of study from our experienced staff.
The course involves a number of historical trips, including some overseas. We also work in partnership with local charities. Opportunities include teaching English to the families of ex-Gurkhas with SSAFA Forces Help and fundraising for a memorial with The Trooper Potts VC Trust.
You could progress on to higher level study including politics, international relations, archaeology and anthropology degree courses, or seek employment in roles such as a researcher or data analyst.
This course can be studied as part of the business, communication or social sciences A Level pathways at Reading College.
What you'll learn
You will be following the AQA specification:
First year AS history:
- Component 1: Breadth study: 1K The Making of a Superpower: USA, 1865–1920
- Component 2: Depth study: 2M Wars and Welfare: Britain in Transition, 1906–1929
Second year A-Level history:
- Component 1: Breadth study: 1K The making of a superpower: USA, 1865–1975
- Component 2: Depth study: 2M wars and welfare: Britain in transition, 1906–1957
- Component 3: Historical investigation (coursework) – The British social change 1780-1900
How you'll learn and be assessed
You learn in a variety of ways: discussion, groupwork, independent study, traditional essays, reading and research tasks. There is a balance of challenge and support. You will play an active part in your learning and there will be a strong focus on your individual learning needs.
You will develop the skills necessary for further academic study, such as strong report writing, essay writing and study skills, including presentation skills.
You will also improve the wider skills vital for success in further study or employment, including self-confidence, speaking in front of others, working with others, taking responsibility and managing your time. By the end of the course you will have benefited from individual support, including clear advice about higher education and careers.
Components 1 and 2 will be examined in May/ June. Component 3 will be based on coursework. You will also have modular exams in some subjects. There will be a range of regular assignments, essays and class-based assessments to help you develop your study skills for the next educational step. Individual learning targets are set each term and you will receive regular feedback on your progress in meeting these targets.
Two official textbooks are required for each unit: AQA’s The Making of a Superpower: USA, 1865–1975 and Wars and Welfare: Britain in Transition 1906-1957.
Entry requirements
Applicants should have five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including English and maths.
