How to Get an A in A-Level History

Learn from the world's best online teachers. This "Teacher Tips" blog series offers a window into the experiences and insights of Crimson Global Academy's expert educators, providing valuable advice for students across different year levels, courses, and debunks common subject misconceptions, suggesting effective study strategies.

A-Level History, a Cambridge International subject, offers students the opportunity to dive into topics like modern wars, revolutions, and key political changes.

In our latest episode, we're joined by CGA's Head of Social Science, Andrew Karslberg, who unpacks key concepts like Analysis, Interpretation, and Evaluation - common words found in the A Level History exam. This Solved in Minutes episode is especially great for students preparing for their AS/A2 History exams, where we'll look at practical tips, exam strategies, and share key advice on mastering your exams, all in under three minutes!

WHAT IS AS/A2 HISTORY?

AS/A2 History is a core component of the A-Level curriculum at CGA, focusing on developing students' understanding of historical events and their significance. It includes in-depth analysis, interpretation of historical data, and evaluation of different perspectives. This course is crucial for students interested in pursuing further studies in history, political science, or related fields.

The AS/A2 History exam covers the following key concepts:

Analysis: Breaking down historical events into smaller parts to understand their components and relationships.

Interpretation: Understanding different perspectives and interpretations of historical events.

Evaluation: Assessing the significance and impact of historical events and arguments.

A LEVEL HISTORY EXAM STRUCTURE

In this episode, Mr Karslberg explains how students can understand key terms used in exams like analysis, evaluation, and interpretation, to perform well on their exams:

Understanding Key Terms: Mr Karslberg describes analysis as "looking at the pieces that make something up." He likens it to examining the parts of a car's engine or the ingredients in a recipe.

Structuring Your Essay: To show these skills in an essay, he suggests using a "submissive sentence" to present different interpretations effectively.

Using Evidence: Students should draw conclusions about the importance of each piece, like deciding why one ingredient is more crucial in a recipe.

Drawing Conclusions: Mr Karslberg demonstrates how to compare different interpretations, using an example of Washington versus Jackson, to show why one interpretation might be more compelling.

For all Mr Karlsberg’s advice on the A Level History exams, watch the full video here.

Exam Outline

Understanding the structure of your A-Level History exam is essential for aiming for an A or A* grade. Each exam board may have slightly different formats, but understanding the basics is crucial. For example, the Cambridge International AS & A Level History syllabus covers:

Paper 1 and 2 will focus on these topics:

Modern Europe (1750-1921): Topics like the Industrial Revolution, Liberalism and Nationalism in Germany, and the Russian Revolution.

The History of the USA (1820-1941): Including the origins of the Civil War, Civil War and Reconstruction, and the Great Depression.

International History (1870-1945): Topics such as the League of Nations, international relations in the 1920s and 1930s, and the history of China and Japan.

• Paper 1 Document Question
  Written paper, 1 hour 15 minutes, 40 marks
  Students will complete one document question on one of the topics.
• Paper 2 Outline Study
  Written paper, 1 hour 45 minutes, 60 marks
  Students will select two questions from one of the options.
• Paper 3 Interpretations Question
  Written paper, 1 hour 15 minutes, 40 marks
  Students will select one question from one of these options:

Topic 1: The origins of the First World War
Topic 2: The Holocaust
Topic 3: The origins and development of the Cold War

For the most accurate information visit the Cambridge International Education website.

Practising for the A-Level History Exam

Studying for an A or A* grade in History requires time and careful planning. Working through practice questions and mock exams is the most effective way to prepare. Ensure you have a thorough knowledge of the main ideas, characters, quotes, dates, and events. Choose practice questions that are comparable to possible exam questions. Use these sessions to check your knowledge, find gaps, and review the material as needed.

Students should also learn to understand secondary sources and apply knowledge and skills to the examination question. Look at past exam papers from relevant exam boards such as Pearson Edexcel. By practising to make connections between different aspects of the topics in your answer will help students demonstrate a deeper understanding and knowledge of the subject.

INTERESTED IN A CAREER IN HISTORY OR RELATED FIELDS?

A solid understanding of history can open the door to various career opportunities. Here are some exciting career paths where historical skills are highly valued:

Historian: Research and analyse historical data, contributing to academic and public knowledge.

Archivist: Manage and preserve historical documents and records.

Educator: Teach history at different educational levels, from secondary schools to universities.

Political Analyst: Use historical context to inform political analysis and strategy.

Museum Curator: Oversee collections of historical artefacts and exhibits.

To get started, explore online courses to develop the necessary skills for further education in history:

US Diploma World Geography & Culture: This course examines world regions including the nations, people, and cultures of the Americas and Western Europe.

AP World History: Students will study the cultural, economic, political, and social developments that have shaped the world from c. 1200 CE to the present.

AP United States Government and Politics: Study the key concepts and institutions of the political system and culture of the United States. You'll read, analyse, and discuss the U.S.

A Level History: Students will look at the history of one country in detail over a short period of time and study four key topic areas over an extended time scale and for the interpretations of event in history.