Courses
Overview
History
Introduction
Sometimes working in teams, in pairs or individually, history will involve a range of learning methods to help you learn information about the past. You will develop important skills such as making sense of lots of information and structuring extended answers and evaluating historical sources. This will allow you to understand historical arguments and form your own opinions supported with evidence.
This course will be of interest to those wishing to study history either because they find history interesting, or because they wish to build a portfolio of academic subjects at examination level. It is important for all potential GCSE students to realise that they must be ready and willing to do a lot of reading and writing. If you positively do enjoy this kind of work, then you will find GCSE History to be a rewarding experience. If you do not, then you are likely to find History quite challenging. History is, at the end of the day, a written subject.
Qualification
GCSE
Awarding body
AQA
Course leader
E Bell
Assessment
- Examination: 100%
- Non-examined assessment: n/a
Curriculum
Curriculum Roadmap
Topics
This course is diverse and, therefore, there should be something for everyone. It builds upon both the skills and content of our key stage 3 course.
Around 50% is on British History: a thematic study of Britain over time from the medieval period to the modern day and a depth study on the Restoration Period. One part of this will include a site study - a castle or stately home or something similar.
Another element is international history in the 20th century: the causes of World War II. In addition, there will be a study of American History in the 20th century. Students who have enjoyed the content of their history lessons in key stage 3 will probably enjoy this course.
Skills and requirements
Skills learned
History is taught by subject specialists who are completely reliable in terms of expertise and commitment. The entire curriculum from Year 7 to Year 13 works as a whole and, thus, students begin working towards their GCSE grade on day one of Year 7. As a result, we have a 100% pass rate for students who take History further than GCSE and continue to a full A-level. A BBC survey suggested that history develops the exact skills employers are looking for:
- Communication in writing and speech.
- Team work.
- Analysis and making sense of different information.
Careers
Future pathways
- The qualities acquired during the study of history are highly valued and will open doors for careers in law, journalism, the media, the civil service, business management, social work and public services.
- It is highly valued by further and higher education institutions because it develops a strong academic foundation on which to build.
