Newcastle Sixth Form History
A Level History explores how people, societies, and ideas have shaped the world. By building your knowledge, analysing primary sources, and engaging with historians’ debates, you’ll uncover the patterns, causes, and consequences behind major events and decisions. This Student Hub is designed to guide and support Newcastle Sixth Form College students throughout their historical studies.
Why study this subject?
We have selected a range of modules that give you the opportunity to study some of the most significant moments and characters in the development of modern European and world history. You will examine some key historical concepts such as revolution, dictatorship, democracy and genocide across a range of different countries and societies.
What can you expect from this A level?
In class, you will find a supportive environment in which discussion amongst peers and expert questioning from your teacher are key components of every lesson. We dedicate lesson time every week to support you in the development of your written historical skills. There are opportunities weekly for you to access additional support from the History team via subject intervention sessions.
What can you do with a qualification in this subject?
Many students will progress onto History related courses at university and careers beyond, such as industry careers within the museum and heritage sector. A level History also facilitates progression into a range of wider areas such as law, politics, international relations and teaching.
Assessment
You will be assessed in History via a combination of examinations and coursework:
Unit 1: 1 hour 30 minutes examination (25% of A level grade).
Unit 2: 1 hour examination (15% of A level grade).
Unit 3: 2 hour 30 minutes examination (40% of A level grade).
Unit 4: Coursework (20% of A level grade).
History Modules
Britain 1930-1997
Explore how Britain transformed politically, socially, and economically from the interwar years through the rise of welfare democracy, post‑war consensus, and Thatcherite reform — tracing the nation’s journey from crisis and reconstruction to modernisation and global influence.
Russia and its Rulers 1855-1964
Examine how successive leaders from Alexander II to Khrushchev shaped Russia’s political authority, ideology, and society — tracing the evolution from autocracy through revolution to communist dictatorship and reform across a century of dramatic change.
American Revolution 1740 – 1796
Trace how rising colonial tensions, shifting imperial policies, Enlightenment ideas, and revolutionary leadership transformed Britain’s North American colonies from loyal settlements into an independent nation, culminating in constitutional government and the early challenges of the new republic.
The Holocaust and Anti-Semitism in Nazi Germany
This module gives students the chance to complete an independently researched 4,000–5,000‑word investigation into The Holocaust and Anti‑Semitism in Nazi Germany, analysing how Nazi ideology, state policy, and societal attitudes enabled genocide while engaging critically with major historians’ interpretations and primary source material to produce a sustained, evidence‑based argument.
Exam Zone
This section has been designed to help you build confidence, sharpen your skills, and achieve your best possible results. Whether you are preparing for mock exams, end-of-unit tests, or final assessments, the Exam Zone provides everything you need in one place.
The Exam Zone is not just about testing your knowledge. It is about developing the key historical skills required for success: critical thinking, evaluation, and clear written communication. By practising regularly and reflecting on feedback, you will strengthen both your understanding of the past and your performance in exams.
