What will we be studying on the History GCSE?

How is the History GCSE assessed?

The History GCSE is assessed through 3 exam papers at the end of Y11.

Each exam paper contains a mixture of:

• Short answer questions (e.g. Describe two features of....)

• Process questions (e.g. Explain why X took place)

• Essay style questions (e.g. How far do you agree that...)

Over the journey of the course students will encounter all of the relevant question styles and be given the opportunities and tools to excel at each one.

The papers are divided as followed:

Paper 1 (1 hour 15 minutes):

Migration through time (30% of qualification)

Paper 2 (1 hour 45 minutes):

First half = Superpowers & the Cold War (20% of qualification)

Second half = Elizabethan England (20% of qualification)

Paper 3 (1 hour 20 minutes):

The USA 1954-1975 (30% of qualification)

There is no coursework for this qualification.

For a more detailed look, please visit the Edexcel website: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/history-2016.html

1. Do I need to select a Humanities?

Yes! You will need to choose either History or Geography in the Humanities option block.

However, the option is also available for you to pick the other subject as one of your 2 option choices. For example, you can select Geography as your Humanities choice and then select History as one of your 2 other options.

2. What additional materials and equipment will I need to study History?

You will need a folder and dividers for keeping your revision materials and notes in. Keeping this organised is essential and so wallets and/or dividers may be helpful.

For each unit that we study there is a course textbook. This will be used alongside other materials in class but if you need to use it for homework etc. copies of relevant pages will be made available.

There are revision guides and flashcards produced by both the exam board and CGP but you will be given more information about these when you begin the course.

3. Will History be taught in sets?

No, we believe that mixed-ability teaching provides all learners with the best possible outcomes. Teachers will adapt their teaching to the students who are present in their class.

4. What will homework look like?

Homework will vary between examination questions, regular revision tasks and pre-reading for lessons. It is essential that homework is completed so that maximum progress can be made in lesson time.

5. What kind of students does a History GCSE suit?

• Interested in History and current affairs.

• Curious about societies and the world around them.

• Organised with course materials.

• Committed to regularly recap learning.

• Able to work with evidence to form opinions.

• Able to construct well-argued written opinions.

• Dedicated to completing wider reading and research to expand your knowledge.

Where can studying History take you?

Employers value the research, analytical, teamwork and communication skills that history students develop throughout their History studies.

Jobs directly related to History include (click on the job to find out more):

• Academic researcher

• Archivist

• Heritage manager

• Historic buildings inspector/conservation officer

• Journalist / Documentary Maker

• Museum education officer

• Museum/gallery curator

• Museum/gallery exhibitions officer

• Secondary school teacher

Jobs where your History would be very useful include (click on the job to find out more):

• Academic librarian

• Archaeologist

• Broadcast journalist

• Business Advisors

• Civil Service administrator

• Editorial assistant

• Human resources officer

• Information officer

• Lawyer

• Marketing executive

• Policy officer

• Politician

• Solicitor

• Talent agent