History
Students will follow the AQA GCSE history specification. This exposes students to the key events and personalities of both British and wider-world history and the impact they have had on our lives.
The new GCSE has two papers, each considering a different historical period. While Paper 1 looks into the modern world of the Twentieth Century, Paper 2 examines Ancient to Early Modern History with a focus on Elizabethan England.
The subject allows students to develop their analytical, essay writing and verbal reasoning skills. It will also give them a greater understanding of the world we live in, and allow them to become more knowledgeable about politics and citizenship.
History is an enjoyable and well-respected subject and enjoys consistently high GCSE results. Skills learnt in this subject will complement other areas of the curriculum.
Students will have the opportunity to attend a residential trip to Belgium and France, where they will visit the war graves of those lost in World War One. This has remained a valuable and popular experience for all students.
Course Content
Paper 1 (Understanding the Modern World)
Option 1D: America 1920-1973: Opportunity and inequality
Section B: Interwar European conflict and tension, 1918-1939
Paper 2
Option 2A: Britain: Health and the people: c1000 to the present day
Section B: Elizabethan England, 1568-1603
Assessment
The new history GCSE is assessed through two external examination papers one of which will include a study of historical buildings and sources, requiring an out of school visit. There is no longer a coursework requirement.
Progression
The content and concepts developed in history GCSE prepare students for academic A-Level subjects including history, politics, English, law, geography, religious studies and social sciences.
History is a very well-respected subject by universities and is considered by the Russell Group of top Universities as one of the seven most ‘enabling’ subjects to opt for.