Why does the Russian government fear an independent Ukraine? Does China have the right to challenge the United States for global dominance? Why does the West feel such a strong affinity with Israel? 

A Level History at The Purbeck School is an ambitious pursuit to understand the world around us by addressing the most pressing issues of our time. Our students do not simply learn about the past; they encounter flawed individuals, complex societies, and momentous events.

Our ambitious A Level curriculum aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills to not only develop an intricate understanding of today’s biggest global challenges, but to take this understanding forward into their further studies and careers. 

In Year 12, students study the contrasting communist states in Russia and China, including a depth study on the collapse of the Soviet Union and the liberal revolutions in eastern Europe. This will lead to deep, reflective analyses on why there is war in Ukraine today and to what extent a conflict over Taiwan could be the turning point of the 21st century.

In Year 13, students are challenged to consider Britain’s role in the making of the modern world by writing an extended research essay on the consequences of colonialism in the Middle East and the origins of the State of Israel.

Simultaneously, students will be developing a deep knowledge of how the Tudor dynasty created England’s first centralised state amongst the fire and fury of rebellion and Reformation, shaping British politics and Western society even in the 21st century.

We follow the Edexcel GCE History specification, Route E (1E and 2E) with Option 31:

• Unit 1 – Russia, 1917-91: from Lenin to Yeltsin.
• Unit 2 – Mao’s China, 1949-76.
• Unit 3 – Rebellion and Disorder under the Tudors 1485-1603.
• Unit 4 – Coursework: ‘Historians have disagreed over the extent to which Israel was formed over Zionism’ How far do you agree?

If you want to understand how History shaped the world today, The Purbeck School is the place to do it.

Where the course leads

A Level History is highly valued by universities and employers as being a rigorous academic course. Success in A Level History can take you into a variety of careers, from law and the civil service to marketing and international finance; holders of A Level History qualifications can be found in every sector in every part of the world. 

Entry requirements   

Grade 6 at GCSE History and Grade 5 at GCSE English. 

For further information contact: Mr Whiter twhiter@purbeck.dorset.sch.uk