Overview

Topics covered

A change in the GCSE allows students to study a broader and more exciting range of topics for their GCSE:

British Study in Depth

The Elizabethan Age (1558-1603); students study major influences on political and social life during the period as well as the issue of religious controversy. They will look at how aspects of life in this period have been represented and interpreted, and how they have generated wider historical debate

Non-British study in Depth

Germany in Transition (1918-1939); Students study consider the impact of the First World War on Germany, the recovery of the Weimar Republic, the factors which led to the rise of the Nazis and the impact of the Nazi regime upon the lives of the German people.

Period Study

The Development of the USA (1929-2000); Students study key trends and turning points that have affected the development of the USA between 1929 and 2000. They will consider the developments, events and personalities which have shaped the recent history of the USA.

Thematic Study

Changes in Health and Medicine (c.500 to present day); Students will study causes of illness and disease over time, attempts to prevent illness and disease over time, attempts to treat and cure illness and disease, advances in medical knowledge, developments in patient care and finally developments in public health and welfare. 

Assessments

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

Studies in Depth

The Elizabethan Age (1558-1603)- One hour paper, worth 25% of the qualification 

Non-British Studies in Depth

Germany in Transition (1918-1939) - One hour paper, worth 25% of the qualification 

Period Study

The Development of the USA (1929-2000)- One 45 minute paper worth 25% of the qualification

Thematic Study

Changes in Health and Medicine (c.500 to present day)- One hour 15 minute paper worth 25% of the qualification

FAQs

What do we study?

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

  • The development of USA 1929-2000

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

  • Germany in Transition 1918-1939

  • The Elizabethan Age 1558-1603

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?

• All our History teachers 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 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 are taken in the summer of Year 11 during the GCSE period. The first exam consists of the Elizabethan paper (1 hour, 53 marks) and the Germany paper (1 hour, 53 marks). The second paper consists of the USA paper (45 minutes, 40 marks) and medicine paper (1 hour 15, 64 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. 

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 developing your thinking through challenging and analysing evidence and thoughts. 

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

• No it won't, 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 A level but it is also the gateway to other A level subjects including Government and Politics, Ancient History, Classical Civilisations as well as many more. 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!