Studying history at GCSE is an extraordinary opportunity for students to gain and develop the skills of analysis, critical thinking and to have the ability to thoroughly maintain in-depth knowledge and apply it in a variety of circumstances. GCSE history also provides students with the opportunity to develop and form their own opinions and judgements, based upon the historical content and interpretations presented to them. GCSE history enables students to impart their understanding of the world today, and the people and societies that inhibit it. History, as a subject, is highly renowned for its importance within present-day society and the skills and knowledge that it embeds within young people, and thus, the future generations.
Additional support:
• Glossaries are stuck into students’ books and posted onto their Google Classroom.
• KS4 students are provided with a variety of resources, such as revision guides, to help guide them with their learning, both in and outside of the College environment.
• Teacher contact – all students at the College are openly encouraged to contact their history teachers, either through personal or virtual means.
• Period 7 – students complete a Period 7 lesson in history on a rotational basis, focusing on exam technique and subject content.
GCSE history also forms part of the English Baccalaureate.
All students choosing to study GCSE history will study the required skills and content to complete examinations on the below topics:
Year 9
Paper 1: Thematic study and historic environment: Medicine in Britain c1250-present and The British sector of the Western Front, 1914-18: injuries, treatment and the trenches.
Year 10
Paper 2: Period study and British depth study: Early Elizabethan England, 1558-88 and Superpower relations and the Cold War, 1941-91.
Year 11
Paper 3: Modern depth study: Weimar and Nazi Germany, 1918-39.
The College’s chosen examining board for GCSE history is Pearson Edexcel. The exam distribution and weightings can be found below.
The College has specifically selected the above topics, not only due to the important content that is covered, but also due to the transferable skills that can be used across various subjects and future careers. For example, those students wishing to progress within the medical sphere, will benefit from having an in-depth understanding of the thematic process of medicine over time.
Assessment:
Assessments at KS4 are specifically designed to prepare students for their final examinations in Year 11. Students are provided with an assessment at every 12 week assessment period and are supported and actively encouraged to reflect on their learning to further enhance their progress. Students are provided with required resources to aid their chances of success to help fully prepare them for their assessments. Students are encouraged to reflect on their progress (the positives and/or the improvements), to celebrate their successes and to always strive to achieve their very best.
Exam paper distribution:
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