Why study history?
GCSE History will help you understand how the world you live in was shaped and will make you consider today’s society in a different way. It links to some of the units you will have studied in Year 7, 8 and 9 and expands on that basic knowledge using sources and historical interpretations.
Furthermore, by examining the history of different cultures, as a History student you will build up a better understanding of why certain people act the way they do. For example, when we study the history of the USA we could begin to understand why racial tensions have continued despite the abolition of slavery and still remain an issue today. This shows us the relevance of history – it really is all around us.
Course Description
As part of this course students study Opportunity and Inequality in the USA 1920-1973, Conflict and Tension 1918-1939, a thematic study of Power and the People from 1066 to Present Day, and a British Depth study of the Normans.
Students will obtain skills in their GCSE studies that can be used within the history classroom and beyond, through focusing on enquiry based skills.
Who would this course be suitable for?
To achieve in the GCSE History course, you must be passionate about History and confident in your ability. You should have an open mind and be willing to learn about other cultures, and how the past has shaped the future. You should be motivated to create the best piece of work you can even when it becomes challenging. This course helps you to become resilient, independent and resourceful, necessary traits in life to achieve your dreams.
You should consider choosing history GCSE if you:
Are interested in learning about how the world has changed over the last thousand years
Enjoy reading
Enjoy writing essays and extended pieces of writing
Enjoy debating are confident interpreting and analysing historical sources
Analysing the extent of change and continuity over time;
Evaluating the significance of historical events and individuals;
Analysing the causes and consequences of historical events; source analysis, essay writing etc.
What can I do with a GCSE in history?
History is a highly regarded academic subject by colleges and universities. There are a variety of different paths that you could follow after studying GCSE History.
Most students go on to study a History course at A-level which can lead to a place on a university degree course. Tour guide, librarian, teacher/lecturer, researcher are some of the career prospects.
To investigate History careers further please visit: https://icould.com/explore/categories/subject/history
What do students say about this course?
"I really enjoy the independence you're given in History to develop your own ideas."
"It's quite difficult to start off with; and sometimes you don't feel like you can do it, but with support you soon realise you can."
"I found fascinating learning about the Hippy movement and the Vietnam War.”
"History helps you to improve your communication skills.”
Video: your choices in Humanities
Exam Structure
GCSE History comprises of two papers and four units. This course is assessed only through exams. Further information on this can be found at https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/history/gcse/history-8145
Paper 1
America 1920 - 1973
Conflict and Tension 1918-39
America 1920 - 1973
This topic focuses on the development of the USA as it was a period of opportunity and inequality – when some Americans lived the 'American Dream' whilst others grappled with the nightmare of poverty, discrimination and prejudice.
Conflict and Tension 1918-39
This topic will enable students to understand the complex and diverse interests of different individuals and countries. It focuses on the causes of the Second World War and to show how and why conflict occurred and why it proved difficult to resolve the issues which caused it.
Paper 2
The Normans
Power and the People
Power & the People
This thematic study will enable students to gain an understanding of the development of the relationship between the citizen and the state in Britain over a long period of time. It considers the causes, scale, nature and consequences of protest to that relationship. It allows students to construct an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of the citizen.
Norman England
This option allows students to study in depth the arrival of the Normans and the establishment of their rule. The depth study will focus on major aspects of Norman rule, considered from economic, religious, political, social and cultural standpoints of this period and arising contemporary and historical controversies.
GCSE History Trips
In Y10, students are given the opportunity to go on various excursions within the department. Students attend the IntoFilm Festival to watch a screening of a film relevant to the course of study. Previous years have seen students view Peterloo (2018) focused on the Peterloo Massacre of 1819 in Manchester in the fight for voting rights, and The Green Book (2018), exploring the Jim Crow Southern States of the USA.
Also in Y10, students are given the opportunity to visit the University of Manchester, to investigate what further study in History is like at Higher Education. Students will participate in mini lectures and tutorials and go on a tour of the university.
