GCSE History

History

We believe in the importance of learning from history. That’s why we’ve created a programme of learning at GCSE that enables students to study different aspects of the past, so they can engage with key issues such as conflict, understand what drives change and how the past influences the present.

Entry Requirements

It is useful to have studied history before but this is not an essential requirement. To be successful at GCSE History, students need to have a passion for historical periods, people and events; to be curious and enjoy reading and writing extended essays.

Course Content

We follow the AQA linear specification. Linear means that students will sit all their exams at the end of the course. GCSE History students must take assessments in both of the following papers in the same series:

First year: Paper 1: Understanding the Modern World

• Section A: America: 1920-1973: Opportunity and Inequality
• Section B: Wider World Depth Studies: Conflict and Tension 1918-1939

Second year: Paper 2: Shaping the Nation

• Section A: Britain: Health and the People c1000 to present day
• Section B: British Depth Studies including the historic environment: Elizabethan England c1568-1603; The Historic Environment of Elizabethan England

Where does it lead?

Progression to A-level study; subjects that complement A-level History include: English Literature, English Language, Philosophy & Ethics, Government & Politics, Law and Economics.

History teaches you a range of skills that are valued in the workplace and many History students work in Law, Politics, Journalism, Teaching, Social Research and Economics to name but a few.