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History & Politics A/AS Level/Sixth Form |
In the narrowest sense, History is not a vocational subject. Unless you wish to teach, to write history, to work as an archivist, journalist, or museum curator, it is unlikely that your knowledge of the subject will ever provide your bread and butter. However, this is not to say that History is not a valuable, sometimes indispensable qualification for a far broader range of careers. It is difficult to imagine a successful lawyer, diplomat, civil servant or politician, who lacks a considerable understanding of the subject. Moreover, the logical thinking and ability to communicate ideas that a study of history develops are obviously relevant in all management or employment situations. And the critical, informed decision making required by the modern citizen is practised in virtually every history lesson.
History is seen by many as the broadest subject on the humanities side, providing a natural combination with Economics, Politics, Languages, English, Geography and Art History. Yet combinations with Science and Mathematics A/AS Levels could be equally stimulating, providing a wonderful opportunity to apply the thinking skills of the former to historical enquiry into the feelings and situations of people in the past.
Many successful sixth form historians have enjoyed and done well at GCSE History. However, the correlation between A-level and GCSE level results is less close than in some other subjects. Because of the nature of the subject, it is possible for students to take up history in the sixth form even if they have not studied it to GCSE level, provided they have the necessary intellectual and personal qualities.
If you're curious about the past, enjoy reading, discussing ideas and coming to your own personal opinions, the study of History at a higher level may be for you.
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