History has traditionally been popular in the Sixth Form at Downe House. It is a subject which has something for everyone: we hope that all pupils who follow the course will derive enjoyment from it, and gain knowledge and skills which will be useful for their chosen career paths. The A Level syllabus consists of three components: 1. The Tudors: England, 1485 – 1603 (40%) 2. The Transformation of China, 1936 – 1997 (40%) 3. A Historical Investigation on a 100-year period (20%)
For 16+ entry into our Sixth Form, your daughter will be required to sit three examination papers during the first week of November in the year prior to entry. Two of these papers are in subjects which your daughter is currently studying, or which she wishes to study in the Sixth Form at Downe House, as well as a General paper. These examinations are usually taken at your daughter’s current school and practice papers are available on request. Candidates are required to achieve a minimum of seven I/GCSE examinations at Grade 6 (B) or above, preferably with Grade 9/8 (A*) in those subjects she wishes to study in the Sixth Form. If your daughter does not follow an education system with formal examinations at 16+, further testing may be required and a transcript of grades acquired from their previous school. On completion of examination papers, successful candidates will be invited for an interview by the Head of Sixth Form and the Headmistress at the end of November. Offers will be made in December. There are also a number of scholarships available for pupils joining the Sixth Form. We strongly recommend early registration for your daughter. All offers and places are completed by April of the year prior to entry and availability of places in our Sixth Form is very limited.
The first two components will be taught over the two years and will be examined by two examination papers of 2 ½ hours, each requiring the candidate to answer one document question and two essays, at the end of the second year. The third component will be an essay of 4,000 – 4,500 words on a topic of chosen from a course which will be taught in the Summer Term of the Lower Sixth. This will cover a 100-year period. The topic will vary from year to year. Possible topics include the Age of the Crusades 1071-1204, the USA 1865-1975, or Germany 1871-1991. The essay will be planned and written over the summer holidays and Michaelmas and Lent Terms of the Upper Sixth. It is internally assessed and externally moderated.
About Education Provider
| Region | South East |
| Local Authority | West Berkshire |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Girls |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | £47,760 |
| Sixth Form Fee | Day £35,520 |
| Address | Cold Ash, Thatcham, RG18 9JJ |
History has traditionally been popular in the Sixth Form at Downe House. It is a subject which has something for everyone: we hope that all pupils who follow the course will derive enjoyment from it, and gain knowledge and skills which will be useful for their chosen career paths. The A Level syllabus consists of three components: 1. The Tudors: England, 1485 – 1603 (40%) 2. The Transformation of China, 1936 – 1997 (40%) 3. A Historical Investigation on a 100-year period (20%)
For 16+ entry into our Sixth Form, your daughter will be required to sit three examination papers during the first week of November in the year prior to entry. Two of these papers are in subjects which your daughter is currently studying, or which she wishes to study in the Sixth Form at Downe House, as well as a General paper. These examinations are usually taken at your daughter’s current school and practice papers are available on request. Candidates are required to achieve a minimum of seven I/GCSE examinations at Grade 6 (B) or above, preferably with Grade 9/8 (A*) in those subjects she wishes to study in the Sixth Form. If your daughter does not follow an education system with formal examinations at 16+, further testing may be required and a transcript of grades acquired from their previous school. On completion of examination papers, successful candidates will be invited for an interview by the Head of Sixth Form and the Headmistress at the end of November. Offers will be made in December. There are also a number of scholarships available for pupils joining the Sixth Form. We strongly recommend early registration for your daughter. All offers and places are completed by April of the year prior to entry and availability of places in our Sixth Form is very limited.
The first two components will be taught over the two years and will be examined by two examination papers of 2 ½ hours, each requiring the candidate to answer one document question and two essays, at the end of the second year. The third component will be an essay of 4,000 – 4,500 words on a topic of chosen from a course which will be taught in the Summer Term of the Lower Sixth. This will cover a 100-year period. The topic will vary from year to year. Possible topics include the Age of the Crusades 1071-1204, the USA 1865-1975, or Germany 1871-1991. The essay will be planned and written over the summer holidays and Michaelmas and Lent Terms of the Upper Sixth. It is internally assessed and externally moderated.