GCSE History
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Why should I choose History?
There are many different reasons why students choose to study GCSE History, such as their teacher or the influence of their parents. However, there are many other important reasons why History is an excellent subject to study. The following are just a few of them.
• You will learn about key individuals and the impact of their actions and decisions.
• You will investigate big questions, such as:
– Why did it take 30 years for the Troubles in Northern Ireland to end?
– Why did so few people try to stop Hitler?
– Why did the Cuban Missile Crisis bring the world to the brink of nuclear war?
– What was the significance of 9/11 for international relations?
• You will appreciate that there is not simply one version of the past but many different and often competing interpretations.
• You will develop skills of working with evidence from the past to construct arguments and make informed judgements. The mixture of stimulating content and the opportunity to develop valuable skills makes GCSE History one of the most popular subject choices for students in Northern Ireland.
How will I be assessed in this subject?
Written Examinations; 100% This is made up of two papers.
60% completed in Year 11
40% completed in Year 12
Paper 1 - Life in Nazi Germany 1933 -1945 and Changing Relations: Northern Ireland and its Neighbours 1965 - 98
Paper 2 is a source based paper examining International Relations, 1945-2003
What will I study?
Year 11
You will complete one exam which is worth 60% of your overall GCSE.
Unit 1: Section A
Unit 1: Section A
Changing Relations; Northern Ireland and it's Neighbours
Changing Relations; Northern Ireland and it's Neighbours
1965-1998
1965-1998
The Civil Rights movement in Northern Ireland, Emergence of Paramilitaries, Key events like Bloody Sunday and the Hunger Strikes, the Peace Process.
Unit 1: Section B
Unit 1: Section B
Nazi Germany
Nazi Germany
1933-1945
1933-1945
How Hitler established a dictatorship.
Life in Nazi Germany for different groups like women, workers, young people and Jewish people.
Life in Germany during the war.
Year 12
In Year 12, you will complete one exam which is worth 40% of your overall GCSE.
International Relations 1945-2003
International Relations 1945-2003
The Cold War between the USA and USSR, including key events like the Berlin Wall and the Vietnam War.
The War on Terror: 9/11 and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
What career pathways are available to me if I study this subject?
You may go on to study History at AS and A2 level. History can lead to you following careers in Teaching, Business, Law, Social Work, Media, Marketing, Political Work, Journalism and Humanities.
Extra curricular activities
If you choose History, you may have the opportunity to take part in the following activities;
Trips to Poland, Germany, France, Belgium, Dublin, and Belfast
Reward trips and experiences
Mock Bar Trials
Cinema Days
Queen's University
Stormont Visit
Engagement with Holocaust Survivors
Hot chocolate at break as a reward
Student Testimonials
For History GCSE my best experience was when we went to Berlin. We got to apply our knowledge and bring it over to Germany. We were able to see the things we learnt and be able to learn in greater depth of what happened from tour guides and landmarks while having a laugh with our class. It was definitely an experience that I would never forget.
As for teaching, I like how in GCSE History you learn about two different parts, one on Germany and one on Northern Ireland. By learning two different parts of history it brings great involvement in the classroom as everyone can debate about what they think about the events and be able to bring together the information you knew to the rest of the class to discuss.
The environment is very friendly and welcoming and is suited to anyone who learns by visually, written practical and just someone who is interested in knowing about the world.
Cara, Year 13
I really enjoyed my experience in GCSE History. First, the topics we covered were very interesting. Learning about Nazi Germany was interesting as it is one of the biggest historical events in History. We also covered the troubles which was very intriguing as everything we covered was close to home and we could relate to everything we were learning.
I definitely felt that the teaching was first class, there was never a point where I felt uncomfortable in class or afraid to ask a question. Lastly, the experience of History class was always enjoyable, we always made sure to enjoy ourselves by doing quizzes and fun learning activities!
Ethan, Year 13
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