History

HISTORY GCSE

Introduction

Learning about past events and the people who have influenced history will allow you to understand what has shaped today’s world and how it will continue to develop. Apart from studying a wide range of exciting historic periods, you will learn a range of essential skills that will help you with A-levels and future work. These include: excellent communication and writing skills; how to construct an argument; research skills; investigation and problem-solving skills and analytical and interpretation skills.

Click pictures below to watch a video to find out more about History and to to read more about careers linked with this option.

HISTORY GCSE

Aims

• Develop and extend knowledge and understanding of specified key events, periods and societies in local, British and wider world history; and of the wide diversity of human experience

• Engage in historical enquiry to develop as independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers

• Develop the ability to ask relevant questions about the past, to investigate issues critically and to make valid historical claims

• Develop an awareness of why people, events and developments have been accorded historical significance and how and why different interpretations have been constructed about them

• Organise and communicate their historical knowledge and understanding in different ways and reach substantiated conclusions

Course Details

History GCSE is a 100% exam-based qualification. The topics we study are:

Thematic Study - Migrants in Britain, c850-Present. 

This unit looks at the reasons for migration to Britain, the experience of different migrant groups and their impact on Britain. Students will study a range of different migrant groups including migrants from Ireland, Europe, Africa, the British Empire, and the Caribbean. 

Historic Environment Study - Notting Hill, c1948-c1970

Through this case study into migration to Britain, Students will look specifically at Caribbean migration post World War II, including lessons on the influence and contributions of Caribbean cultures, the Notting Hill Riots, Black activism and the development of the Notting Hill Carnival. 

Period Study - Conflict in the Middle East, 1945-95

This unit looks at how conflict in the Middle East has evolved from the birth of Israel, conflict 1964-73 including events such as the Six Day War and the Yom Kippur War, to attempts at a solution, 1974-95.

British Depth Study - Early Elizabethan England, 1558-88

This unit looks at the challenges that Elizabeth faced on accession, her religious ‘settlement’, challenges she faced both at home and abroad and Elizabethan society in the Age of Exploration. 

Modern Depth Study - The USA, 1954-75: conflict at home and abroad

This unit has two key parts, looking first at the development of the civil rights movement and then at US involvement in the Vietnam War and reactions to US involvement. 

How is the course assessed?

These five topics are assessed in three exam papers

Paper One: Migrants in Britain and Notting Hill

• 30% of the GCSE with 52 marks available in total

• There are 16 marks for the Historic Environment and 36 marks for the Thematic Study (including 4 marks for SPaG)

• 1 hour and 15 minute paper

Paper Two: Conflict in the Middle East and Early Elizabethan England

• 40% of the GCSE with 64 marks available in total

• There are 32 marks for the Period Study and 36 marks for the British Depth Study (including 4 marks for SPaG)

• 1 hour and 45 minute paper

 Paper Three: The USA, 1954-75: conflict at home and abroad

• 30% of the GCSE with 52 marks available in total (including 4 marks for SPaG)

• 1 hour and 20 minute paper

Possible Future Career Paths

Historian, Law, Civil Service, Politics, Journalism, Teaching, Careers requiring research, Fields requiring analytical skills

Commitment

History is a subject which demands high analytical skills and the ability to write extended answers. Students will be expected to carry out-of-class reading, note-taking and essay writing.  At the heart of becoming an excellent historian is the ability to construct and evaluate arguments and historical interpretations using evidence and students will be expected to develop these skills over the course of two years.  In addition, students will be required to discuss controversial and challenging issues in a mature and sophisticated manner.

Exam Board: Edexcel

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/history-2016.html 

Contact Details

Ms Youngs