History GCSE

Duration of course: 2 years

Course type: GCSE

Examination Board: Edexcel

Overview: 

GCSE History is an academic, writing-based subject which requires a range of critical thinking skills including analysis, evaluation, and interpretation. This option provides students with an understanding of both British and wider world history as well as a mixture of modern and Renaissance history. Students will learn depth and breadth units which will allow them to understand some of the key features of modern-day society including democracy, health care, politics, and relations between world powers. In addition, the course will provide a chance for students to engage in healthy debates as well as critically analysis source material.

Assessment Method and Component Percentages: 

GCSE History is with the Edexcel exam board and consists of three papers:

• Paper 1: Thematic study and historic environment (1 hour, 15 minutes) 30% of the qualification.
• Paper 2: Period study and British depth study (1 hour, 45 minutes) 40% of the qualification
• Paper 3: Modern depth study (1 hour, 20 minutes) 30% of the qualification

GCSE History is assessed through four assessment objectives:

• AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the key features and characteristics of the periods studied (35%).
• AO2: Explain and analyse historical events and periods studied using secondorder1 historical concepts (35%).
• AO3: Analyse, evaluate and use sources (contemporary to the period) to make substantiated judgements, in the context of historical events studied (15%).
• AO4: Analyse, evaluate and make substantiated judgements about interpretations (including how and why interpretations may differ) in the context of historical events studied (15%).

What will I learn? 

You will cover:

• Early Elizabethan England, 1558–88
• Superpower Relations and the Cold War, 1941-1991
• Weimar and Nazi Germany, 1918–39
• Medicine in Britain, c1250–present and The British Sector of the Western Front, 1914–18: injuries, treatment and the trenches

How will I learn? 

• You will learn through rigorous practising of essay and source analysis skills.
• Every lesson at GCSE History features exam question practice using new content learnt in the lesson.
• History is knowledge based and lessons require competent skills in reading and writing.
• Independent study is particularly important in GCSE History. You will be provided with knowledge organisers, revision guide booklets and access to a revision hub on Teams, with over 100 resources, to revise for assessments in your own time.

Departmental Expectations: 

• You are expected to be prepared for every lesson with full writing equipment.
• Homework must be completed by the given deadlines and to a high standard.
• Independent revision is a requirement for half termly assessments.
• You are expected to show the Academy Values of Respect, Determination, and Ambition in every History lesson through your book work and contribution to discussions. Disruption to learning is not tolerated.

Career Potential: 

History is a facilitating subject for many employment pathways. Students who choose History may go on to have careers in diverse areas such as Law, Archaeology, Journalism, Politics, and Economics. History is a well-regarded academic subject and will equip students with the written and oral communication skills required for a variety of careers. A GCSE and/or A Level qualification in History proves that you can write analytically, make reasoned judgements, and provide a nuanced evaluation of evidence.

Future Progression routes possible: 

History is a very popular A Level and degree subject. GCSE History will be useful if you are considering A Levels in English Literature, a Modern Foreign Language, Philosophy/Religious Studies, Politics or Geography. If you are considering degrees in any of these subjects as well as Law, Business, Politics, Anthropology or Economics then GCSE History will be useful to you.

Entry Requirements:

• One of best 4 subjects based on the History Rank Order
• To do both History and Geography you need to be in the top 80 for rank order in both subjects.