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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.