History

WHICH SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE MUST I HAVE BEFORE EMBARKING ON THIS COURSE?

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.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

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 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.

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.

Pupils will have the opportunity to visit Berlin, a vibrant capital city where the scars of the Cold War are still visible. The city was a symbol of the clash of ideologies so prevalent in the latter half of the twentieth century. It was also the location of so many of the key events that pupils will study as part of their study of Nazi Germany, giving them an invaluable understanding of their depth study period.

During their studies, pupils develop an understanding of a range of political and economic vocabulary that is invaluable in today’s environment. They also develop the ability to construct rigorous and well-supported analysis of issues, a skill of value to all. Critical evaluation of source material and other evidence is also a part of the course and enables pupils to develop their ability to sift and process information effectively in today’s information-heavy world.

HOW IS THE WHOLE COURSE STRUCTURED AND ASSESSED?

The final grade is determined by pupil performance in the three examination papers.

COMPONENT GROUP 1 International Relations 1918-2001 and Germany 1925-1955 (50%)

A written paper (1 hour 45 minutes) involving a range of questions on International Relations 1918-2001 and Germany 1925-1955.

COMPONENT GROUP 2 Migration to Britain c.1000 to c.2010 (25%)

A written paper (1 hour) featuring four questions related to the impact of migration on British Society.

COMPONENT GROUP 3 The Impact of Empire on Britain 1688-c.1730 with Urban Environments: Patterns of Migration (25%)

A written paper (1 hour 15 minutes) with four questions, two of which are based on sources. two will be on the Spitalfields site that the pupils will be studying.

WHAT WERE THE HISTORY GCSE RESULTS LIKE LAST YEAR?

In History 67% of students achieved grades 9-7 with 53% achieving grades 9/8.

Overall 100% of students achieved grades 9-4.

FOR WHAT SIXTH FORM SUBJECTS WILL THIS COURSE BE USEFUL?

A GCSE in History is valuable for pupils intending to study History, Economics, Politics, English and all Arts and Humanities subjects at A Level. Moreover, given the communication and evaluative skills it seeks to develop, it is a useful preparation for all prospective sixth formers, regardless of what they decide to study.