History
GCSE History
Examination Board: AQA
Watch the video to the right to find out more about a GCSE in History!
Why should STUDENTS choose GCSE History?
Because it’s brilliant. Understanding the past is the key to understanding the present. It helps us to keep track of current events as they unfold; appreciate different perspectives and interpretations; develop critical-thinking skills; develop the skills needed for gathering evidence; find patterns and trends and apply information from the past to analyse and solve problems in the present. History is an academic subject that is highly valued by colleges and universities. It is also part of the EBacc suite of subjects.
Copy of HISTORY EXAM BOARD SPECIFICATIONWhat will STUDENTS need to be successful in this course?
GCSE reforms have led to the History GCSE becoming even more rigorous. Students will therefore benefit from being able to read, retain and recall large amounts of factual information about different periods of history. As it is a literacy-based subject, students will be expected to read both contemporary sources and historical interpretations, and then use their knowledge to write extended responses to questions. Students will also need to treat historical sources critically, thinking about the nature, origin, message and purpose of the sources they come across. Students will be expected to be very organised as they will be responsible for maintaining an A4 folder, rather than an exercise book.
support for students
This course is suitable for students of all ability levels. Students with aspirations of Grade 7 and above can expect challenging work that asks them to explore the wider context of the time period they are studying. There are also plenty of further reading opportunities, with articles and links to websites that will satisfy enquiring minds.
Students aiming for Grade 3 and higher will be well supported with differentiated keyword sheets for all topics. All resources will be posted to Google Classroom so that students can access them both in lessons and at home.
As students approach their examinations they can expect after school revision sessions. Engaging revision activities eg. Tarsia's and Kahoot quizzes and lots of on-hand support from their experienced and knowledgeable teachers.
Course Description
This qualification comprises the following elements:
A period study (approx. 50 years)
A wider world depth study (approx. 25 years)
A thematic study (approx. 1000 years)
A British depth study including a study of an historic environment
At least 40% of the course will focus on aspects of British history
We think that we have selected an engaging and coherent syllabus that will give students a broad understanding of history that builds on the strengths and expertise we have in the department
Course Content
Period study - America 1920-73: Opportunity and inequality
Wider world depth study - Conflict and tension in Asia, 1950-1975: Korea and Vietnam
Thematic study - Britain: Health and the people c1000 to the present day
British depth study (incl. historic environment) – Elizabethan England, c1568-1603
Assessment
There is no controlled assessment. It is a fully linear course with two final exams comprising 100% of the final grade. There is no tiered entry. Every student does the same exam papers.
Written exam: Paper 1
Understanding the modern world (non-British)
· 50% of GCSE
· 2 hours
· 10 compulsory questions
· 84 marks including 4 marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar SPaG)
Written exam: Paper 2
Shaping the nation (British)
· 50% of GCSE
· 2 hours
· 8 compulsory questions
84 marks including 4 marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG)
Copy of AQA GUIDE TO ASSESSMENTFurther Education and Career Pathways
History is an outstanding option subject for students who are looking to do academic arts and humanities A-Levels, such as History, Law, Philosophy, Government and Politics and English. It is also excellent preparation for professions related to legal work, journalism, TV research and broadcasting; the Civil Service, politics, town planning, building restoration, librarianship or archives and museum management; education or law enforcement.
