You will cover a range of topics that develop your understanding of key periods of world history. Paper 1 Thematic study has two sections: Medicine in Britain 1250-present; The British sector of the Western Front, 1914-18: injuries, treatment and the trenches Paper 2 has two sections: Superpower Relations 1941-1991: Cold War; and Henry VIII and his ministers. Paper 3 Modern non-British depth study: Weimar and Nazi Germany 1918-39.
How is the course structured and graded?
There are three externally examined units at the end of Year 11. In particular, the course tests your ability to recall and use historical data, your ability to communicate your interpretations of events and evaluate how time affects perspectives. Exams last for between 1 hour 20 mins and 1 hour 45 mins depending on the paper. The ability to write extended answers is an essential key to success at GCSE History.
Will this course be suitable for me?
If you have a genuine interest in the past and a willingness to connect the dots then the study of History is for you. It will help develop your analytical skills, your communication skills and provide you with a framework to relate modern issues to their historical roots.
What could this course lead to?
An awareness and accumulation of skills provides an excellent foundation to study History at A-Level. It is recognised as one of the traditional subjects and is highly valued by both employers and universities.
“There is no such thing as a bad question… the teachers encourage you to have an opinion and express it openly – just remember to have the evidence to back it up.”
