History

What will I do in History GCSE?

GCSE History offers an opportunity to learn about an interesting range  of content related to British and World history. You will develop important skills such as studying a range of information, taking effective notes, creating your own arguments and evaluating sources. You will be able to form your own opinions about the past, supported with evidence. Students will be given the opportunity to take attend educational trips to enrich their understanding of the past. This course will appeal to students who are interested in the past, debating ideas, as well as those who want to build up a portfolio of serious academic subjects at exam level.

How will I be assessed?
At the end of the GCSE course you will sit two 2 hour examinations, each exam is split into 2 papers. The components for this are listed below:

• 1A America, Opportunity and inequality , 1920-1973 - We focus on a turbulent half century of American history, exploring the contrasts between the American Dream for some, and poverty, discrimination and prejudice for others. The course covers the 'Roaring Twenties', the Great Depression of the 1930s and the Civil Rights Movement.

• 1B Conflict and Tension, 1918-1939 - Our international topic examines the period between the two world wars. We learn about the aftermath of the First World War, the ill-fated League of Nations, and how European powers in the 1930s struggled to cope with the challenges of aggressive dictators. 

• 2A Health and the People, c1000-present - Our thematic study asks how medicine and public health developed in Britain over a 1000-year period. We study disease, surgery and public health, including topics like the Black Death, vaccines, advances in surgery and the NHS. 

• 2B Elizabethan England, 1558-1603 - We focus on the major events of her reign, including how she dealt with Mary Queen of Scots and the Spanish Armada. We also learn about life and culture in Elizabethan England, with a special study of Elizabethan historical sites. 

Is there anything else I should consider ?

The History Department has high standards and a strong record of academic achievement for all abilities. History has been a consistently popular Options subjects at The Streetly Academy, with many students achieving grades 7 - 9 every year.

A proven record of success isn't the only reason for choosing History at GCSE. A BBC survey suggested that History develops the exact skills that employers are looking for:

• analysing information

• evaluating evidence

• working with others

• excellent verbal and written communication

These qualities are valued and will help to open doors into careers in law, journalism, the media, government, business and industry. On top of this, university admissions tutors favour History because it provides a strong foundation for further study. A recent Streetly 6th Form student said ‘Studying History at GCSE really helped me to cope with my A levels', you can also watch the short video from some of our Streetly GCSE students to see their own personal experience of studying History.

For further information, please speak with your History teacher.