HISTORY
(OCR)
WHICH SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE MUST I HAVE BEFORE EMBARKING ON THIS COURSE?
MR D DARWIN
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
The course ranges widely across different periods of History. Having studied the First World War, the Inter-War period and the Second World Wars in Year 9, pupils will examine the narrative of international relations across the rest of the twentieth century. This will include analysing the peace settlements after the First World War, the failure of the League of Nations, the impact of the Great Depression in the 1930s and the causes of the Second World War. The development of the Cold War is also studied, with case studies such as the Berlin Wall Crisis, the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War. An in-depth study of Germany between 1925 and 1955 looks at why democracy collapsed in Germany in the early 1930s and how Hitler took power, creating a dictatorship, as well as the early stages of German recovery after the Second World War.
GCSE History is a popular choice, in part because the content is interesting and thought-provoking. Much of the course’s focus is on the twentieth century, helping pupils to understand the way in which the world of today was created. Current debates in areas like human rights are also highlighted when compared to the persecution of minorities in Nazi Germany. The impact of migration on British society through history, examined in a thematic study, also has great resonance in today’s world.
The course also features a thematic study of impact of migrant populations on British society over a long period of British history, as well as a depth study evaluating the impact of Empire on Britain during the highly significant period of expansion, 1688-c.1730. The GCSE is completed with an exploration of the history of the Spitalfields area of London, as part of the requirement to study historic migration within an urban environment.
All pupils who have studied History between the ages of 11 and 14 should have the skills and understanding necessary to embark on a course in GCSE History. The most important elements we are looking for in a GCSE student are interest in the subject and a willingness to work hard. These characteristics should ensure that you enjoy a rewarding course and secure a fine grade at the end of Year 11.
The GCSE Years 2021-2023 / 31
