Overview

The History GCSE (EDUQAS) specification provides a broad and coherent course of study that ensures the study of; history on three different timescales, history in three different geographical contexts and history across three different eras.

Topics covered

Assessments

The GCSE requires students to construct balanced, reasoned and well substantiated extended responses to historical questions. British 

British Depth Study

Empire Reform and War (180=1918)- One hour paper, worth 25% of the qualification.

Non-British Depth Study

The Voyages of Discovery and the Conquest of the Americas (1492-1522)- One hour paper, worth 25% of the qualification 

Period Study

The Development of Germany (1919-1991)- One 45 minute paper worth 20% of the qualification

Thematic Study

Changes in Health and Medicine (c.500 to present day)- One hour 15 minute paper worth 30% of the qualification

FAQs

What do we study?

• At GCSE, we study four topics in History. These are:

  • The development of Germany 1919-1991

  • Changes in Health and Medicine in Britain c.500 to the present day

  • Voyages of Discoveries and Conquest of the Americas 1492-1522

  • Empire, Reform and War: Britain 1890-1918

Why pick History?

• History is a subject that helps develop people in well-rounded citizens that can learn and understand where History has been and can lead in the future. It inspires and excites people and enables them to become independent, curious and engaged learners. History gives people a sound knowledge of the past and be able to place events into a wider, more complex, picture by being able to link and articulate key themes, factors and events. History allows you to challenge key ideas and thoughts, re-interpret its past using evidence, and utilise its content and context to ascertain nature, origin and purpose to identify bias in order to make increasingly insightful inferences. History allows you to have an appreciation of the social, cultural, religious and economic ‘angles’ of history as well as political and military and understand how these arguments can be tackled and contested allowing you to construct a logical judgement to communicate about the past. 

Will I have the same history teacher?

• We have 7 History teachers that teach GCSE so you may have the same teacher as you do in year 8, but you could also have a new one. You shouldn’t just pick this GCSE because you like/dislike your teacher. 

Is it hard?

• If you enjoy History then you will enjoy learning about the topics that we study. You will have to read and write extended answers and analyse them from different points of view. In history, you also need to make sure you are committed to keeping up to date with your knowledge, using retrieval questions and knowledge organisers as there is a lot of content. 

Do I have to write lots?

• You will be write by making notes and completing exam practice throughout your GCSE but there is the opportunity to be creative too. 

How is it assessed?

• You have two GCSE papers, each one consisting of two topic papers. Both of these papers are taken in the summer of Year 11 during the GCSE period. The first exam consists of the Germany paper (45 minutes, 40 marks) and medicine paper (1 hour 15, 64 marks). The second paper consists of the Empire paper (1 hour, 53 marks) and the Voyages paper (1 hour, 53 marks). In all four papers the questions increase in marks awarded and assess both key content knowledge and source skill analysis. 

• Throughout your GCSE you will learn and practice how to do all of the styles of questions leading to your final GCSEs. 

Can I do both history and geography?

• Yes you can, you would just have to pick them from the relevant option blocks. The two humanities subjects complement each other. 

Can I do both history and ancient history? 

• Yes, you can, you can pick them in different option blocks, however think about the amount of history that you wish you learn about. 

How similar is GCSE to Y8 History?

• In terms of how we teach our lessons, it is as we still have a big question that leads to enquiry based learning. You will, however, be asked to further your knowledge and understanding by furthering your thinking by challenging and analysing evidence and thoughts. 

Will my BET assessment result affect whether I can do the subject? 

• No it wont, but it gives you an insight of the type of questions that you could be asked in your GCSE. 

How many exams do we take at the end?

• 2 papers consisting of two topic papers.

What can I do with GCSE History? (in terms of A-levels, careers etc)

• History GCSE is highly regarded and a lot of our students go on to study history further. You can go and study history at Alevel as well as being the gateway to many other Alevel subjects including Government and Politics, Ancient History, Classical Civilisations and many more subjects. History GCSE can also help in future careers such as journalism, teaching, civil service, law and working with archives.

What exam board do we do? 

• Eduqas.

Is History right for me?

• Only you know the answer to that question, but think about the following questions:

  • Do you have a passion for history?

  • Do you have a mind that is curious and wants to be inspired? 

  • Do you want to learn about the past so you can challenge the future?

• If the answer is yes, then History is the choice for you!