Students choose History because it is a varied subject, fascinating in its own right and central to an understanding of current affairs. At the Knights Templar School, we aim to enhance students’ interest and enthusiasm for the past.
We provide opportunities to explore significant events, people and issues, and encourage students to acquire a deep knowledge and understanding of History.
We enable students to foster and develop a wide range of skills which are transferable to a range of careers.
Courses Offered
A Level History (AQA)
Syllabus Breakdown
Component 1F: Britain: Industrialisation and the People, c. 1783 – 1885
2.5 hour exam – worth 40% of A Level.
Component 2R: The Cold War c. 1945 – 1991
2.5 hour exam – worth 40% of A Level
Component NEA: Indian Independence 1857 – 1947
4500 word piece of coursework – worth 20% of A Level.
Subject Key Concepts
#1 Cause and Consequence #2 Change and Continuity
#3 Evaluating Evidence/Interpretations #4 Making supported judgements
#5 Historical perspective – the big picture
Please click here for Subject Key Concepts.
Curriculum Overview
Please click here for a PDF Year 12 curriculum Paper 1 overview for the year.
Please click here for a PDF Year 12 curriculum Paper 2 overview for the year.
Please click here for a PDF Year 13 curriculum Paper 1 overview for the year.
Please click here for a PDF Year 13 curriculum Paper 2 overview for the year.
Useful Documents
Please click here for a PDF A Level Resource list.
Minimum Entry Requirements
In addition to our general Sixth Form entry requirements of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, students will need to achieve at least a grade 5 in History at GCSE.
Why Study History?
History is a well-established and respected A-Level choice; it is widely recognised as a challenging qualification and stands students in good stead for embarking on further studies in a range of different disciplines. Universities and employers alike appreciate the transferable skills needed for and developed through historical study, in particular the ability to think and communicate in an analytical manner.
Studying History also helps to hone students’ ability to be precise and selective in their use of information, to critically examine evidence and source material and to test and critique the views of others. Studying History therefore provides a route into any number of different careers and pathways.
Wider Opportunities
We are hoping to reintroduce our popular Berlin trip, which will enrich understanding of the Paper 2 Cold War course.
What Our Students Say:
‘The trip to Berlin in Year 12 as part of the A level course is fantastic. It is a living example of the course and is extremely beneficial to students both socially and academically.’
‘The teachers are so passionate about the subject and are always willing to help you.’
‘Supportive, friendly and enthusiastic teachers, you know they genuinely care about your studies.’
‘I took History because I really enjoyed it at GCSE and want to learn more, especially new things.’
‘I chose History as it is a really useful and valued academic subject which will help me with whatever I choose to do in the future.
What Can I Do Next?
History graduates are sought-after in many different careers and there are a number of different conversion courses readily accessible to students with History qualifications.
History students regularly go on to forge careers in teaching or lecturing, journalism, curatorship, archiving, archaeology, law, finance, HR and many other things due to the broad nature of the discipline.
