A level without GCSE?

Hey all
I plan to do history at A level but I HAVE NOT done GCSE. Will I really struggle?
I am also doing Eng Lit, Critical Thinking, RS and Chemistry

Reply 1

River85

There have been numerous discussions about this, a couple of threads quite recently actually. The general consensous is that it probably won't cause any problems. However, you need to make sure that your school or college allow you to take the subject without the GCSE.

Even history at AS is a lot more advanced that at GCSE. The skills you get in GCSE (especially source based) are quite basic, the GCSE isn't really much of a step from year nine. I don't think there should be any problems in getting to grips with it. GCSE history was a piss take, AS level was not.

You'll also be looking at different historical periods than you would at GCSE (although I'd check up on this). If so you'll be at even less of a disadvantage.

Reply 2

Absurd

It won't make much difference that you didn't do History GCSE, the two are quite different. You may struggle a little at first, but you should be fine once you have a bit of essay and source practice.

Reply 3

River85

The point I was trying to make before is that I don't think GCSE history is particularly thorough. It certainly wasn't in my day. So you're probably staring on a more or less even playing field. Providing your school allow you to take history without the GCSE I'm sure you'll be fine.

Reply 4

shunter7634

CHEESE!

Hey all
I plan to do history at A level but I HAVE NOT done GCSE. Will I really struggle?
I am also doing Eng Lit, Critical Thinking, RS and Chemistry

My school let people do this as long as they have a decent profile of grades at GCSE. Maybe not having done GCSE will be a slight disadvantage, but only slight.

Reply 5

tucker672

River85

You'll also be looking at different historical periods than you would at GCSE (although I'd check up on this). If so you'll be at even less of a disadvantage.

I agree with your complete post but I must say something becuase it made me happy. I have jsu tfinished my GCSE history but am now moving schools to do my A levels and it is a different exam board but I covering exactly the same things I did at A level. Can't wait :biggrin:

Reply 6

Em_maK

I think if you make the effort to do some general background reading, you will be ok with history; if you ask the subject teacher/s at your school, they could probably recommend some useful titles.

Reply 7

theredwindmill

You won't struggle at all. I know quite a few people who do A Level history with out the A Level. A Level is a whole new kettle of fish and i've found that history GCSE hasn't really helped me especially when my history teacher told me that how i write essays is completely wrong eek. I agree with River85 that GCSE is a piss take compared to AS Level, i didn't revise for GCSE history and got a A, where as i had to revise for AS and am now nervously awaiting the results

Reply 8

Hasan

I didn't to GCSE history I've just finished AS history and I'll definitely continue next year. I was worried at the start but I didn't struggle at all, I managed it just as well as anyone else in my class :smile: