History
Why study History?
History is a facilitating subject which has fantastic pathways for academia and a variety of career choices. You will make thematic developments on the topics studied, developing your social, economic and political understanding about the world that surrounds us. This helps us make sense of the themes and challenges we face today in the world. History doesn’t repeat itself; it’s themes echo and ripple over time. Understanding these themes allows us a greater insight into the people and societies that surround or we interact with everyday. The skills you learn help enhance your A Level and university pathways, whilst the research, independent learning and analysis are highly respected by employers.
What will I study in Year 10?
Medicine in Britain, c1250 to the present, and the British sector of the Western Front: injuries, treatment and the trenches (30% weighting)
Weimar and Nazi Germany, 1918–39 (30% weighting); Life in Nazi Germany - there are 4 key thematic studies:
Weimar Germany
Rise to Power of the Nazis
Consolidation of power
Life in Nazi Germany
What will I study in Year 11?
Two topics in 1 examination (40% weighting)
Early Elizabethan England, 1558–88
Queen, government & religion
Challenges to Elizabeth at home & abroad
Elizabethan society in age of Exploration
Late Elizabethan period; society, conflict and journeys to the new world
Conflict in the Middle East, 1945–95
The background to the Israeli state & reaction from Palestinians
The conflicts; 1947 to 1973
Attempts at peace and the reactions from pro Israeli and pro Palestinian partners and international intervention.
How will I be assessed?
The GCSE will be assessed solely by means of three examinations (although you are studying four topics):
Paper 1 - Medicine 1250 ad to the present day, and on the Western Front (Thematic study and historical environment), sources, interpretations and short to extended answers
Paper 2 - British Study: Elizabethan England & Middle, East Conflict (British depth study and period study) Short answers (narrative or causation)
Paper 3 - Weimar & Nazi Germany 1918-1939 (Modern depth study). Sources, interpretations and short to extended answers
The Examination Board is Edexcel and the specification number is GCSE 9-1 History: 1HI0. You can see the full specification here.
What else should I know?
You will:
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the key features and characteristics of the periods Studied.
Explain and analyse historical events and periods studied using second-order historical concepts.
Analyse, evaluate and use sources (contemporary to the period) to make substantiated judgements, in the context of historical events studied.
Analyse, evaluate and make substantiated judgements about interpretations (including how and why interpretations may differ) in the context of the historical events studied.
Short questions can be narrative, e.g. Explain why… to extended answers of How far do you agree? Page 6 of this document gives a fuller picture of the types of questions: click link
These are key skills universities and employers acknowledge and desire.
AO1: Target: knowledge of key features and characteristics of the period.
AO2: Analysis of second order concepts: similarity, significance/change and continuity, impact
AO3: Target: Analysis and evaluation of source utility. Source analysis and use. Making judgements and evaluations on extended answers.
If you have any queries about this curriculum, please contact: Mr Daniel Cronin, Head of History, on dc@farlingtonschool.com