Why study History?
The study of History at GCSE level enables students to broaden and deepen their knowledge of the history of Britain and the wider world and subsequently make stronger connections between the past and its shaping of the present. This allows a greater understanding of self as well as others which is imperative to becoming a well-rounded citizen.
Aims
To provide a stimulating, coherent study of history which is both broad and diverse and contains the full range of historical skills which students will become confident and proficient in applying. Thus providing students with knowledge and skills that will support progression beyond GCSE level in history and a wide range of other subjects.
Curriculum
| Year | Autumn Term 1 | Autumn Term 2 | Spring Term 1 | Spring Term 2 | Summer Term 1 | Summer Term 2 |
| 10 | Medicine in Britain | Medicine in Britain | Medicine in Britain | Anglo Saxon and Norman England | Anglo Saxon and Norman England | American West |
| 11 | American West | Germany 1918 – 1939 | Germany 1918 – 1939 | Revision | Revision | Examinations |
Exam Board: Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in History (1HI0)
Specification Link: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/history-2016.html
There are three main parts to the GCSE course:
Paper 1: Thematic study and historic environment
Option 11: Medicine in Britain, c1250–present and The British sector of the Western Front, 1914–18: injuries, treatment and the trenches.
Written examination: 1 hour and 15 minutes
30%* of the qualification
52 marks (16 for the historic environment, 36 for the thematic study)
Section A: historic environment. (The British sector of the Western Front, 1914–18: injuries, treatment and the trenches). Students answer a question that assesses knowledge plus a two-part question based on two provided sources.
Section B: thematic study (Medicine in Britain, c1250–present). Students answer three questions that assess their knowledge and understanding. The first two questions are compulsory. For the third question, students answer one from a choice of two.
Paper 2: Period study and British depth study
British Depth Study B1: Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, c1060–88
Period Study: P3: The American West, c1835–c1895
Written examination: 1 hour and 45 minutes
40%* of the qualification
64 marks (32 for the period study and 32 for the British depth study)
Booklet B: British depth study (Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, c1060–88). Students answer a single three-part question that assesses their knowledge and understanding. The first two parts are compulsory. For the third part, students select one from a choice of two.
Booklet P: Period study (The American West, c1835–c1895). Students answer three questions that assess their knowledge and understanding. The first two questions are compulsory. For the third question, students select two out of three parts.
Paper 3: Modern depth study
Option 31: Weimar and Nazi Germany, 1918–39
Written examination: 1 hour and 20 minutes
30%* of the qualification
52 marks
Section A: Students answer a question based on a provided source and a question that assesses their knowledge and understanding.
Section B Students answer a single four-part question, based on two provided sources and two provided interpretations.
