History
History A Level is a fantastic opportunity to develop critical thinking skills, analysis and evaluation and literacy skills. More importantly, it gives learners the opportunity to develop contextual understanding of key events, individuals and developments.
If you choose to study History A Level in Pencoed, you will be taught by subject specialists and learning experiences will be varied and engaging using a wide range of teaching and learning strategies. We select a diverse course to ensure our historians gain a wider range of historical understanding.
WHAT THE LEARNERS SAY:
“Each topic you study is truly fascinating and not only are you able to expand your knowledge, you’re able to develop your analytical and evaluative skills too. Applying these skills to different historical sources is allows you to discover different interpretations of historical events.
Mrs Joshua, Miss Edwards and Mrs Clarke have all been brilliant teachers, and their passion for the subject is evident through their teaching. My incredible experience learning history at Pencoed has motivated me to sit at university. History is a subject I’d recommend to anyone.”
In Year 12 two units are taught. Both are examined in the summer exan season and are worth 50% each of the AS grade:
- Unit one – this focuses on the political developments in 16th century Europe and incorporates studies on key developments and individuals. This is an essay-based exam.
- Unit two – this is a source paper and focuses on the reigns of Henry VIII and Edward VI. We continue this paper in Year 13.
In Year 13, three units are completed:
- NEA – this is an independently completed essay and we support learners via a university style approach.
- Unit three – The American Century, 1890-1990.
- Unit four – this is the continuation of Unit 2 and focuses on the reigns on Mary I and Elizabeth I.
We are delighted with our excellent results in 2022 and look forward to new historians joining us in September!