option subject - gcse history

Aim of the course

History aims to create independent individuals who question the who, what, when, where and why of things. History encourages students to develop invaluable life and academic skills. It enthuses students and gives them a better understanding of the world in which they live in today.

Some people consider the idea that “Those who do not learn from the past are doomed to repeat it” an important reason for studying History- that we can learn lessons and make progress from things that have happened in the past.

History encourages you to explain your ideas and provide evidence for saying what you do. If you’ve ever asked, “How do we know this happened?” then you already understand the importance of finding and giving evidence. This ties in with subjects such as English and will help develop your explanation and literacy skills in general.

Programme of Study:

Students will sit three exams at the end of their course. This may include but is reviewed each year:

• Paper 1: 30% - Medicine through Time 1250c-present’ is the study is the story of how, from 1250 to the present day, improvements in science and its place in British society led to changes in healthcare.
• Paper 2: 20% - The ‘Superpower relations’ study is the story of changing tensions between the USA and the Soviet Union that were created by ideological and military confrontation and played out during the Cold War.
• Paper 2: 20% - The ‘Elizabethan England’ study focuses on what life and power were like during Elizabeth I’s reign (1558–1603) in the areas of government, society and religion as well as challenges and threats such as Mary Queen of Scots and the Spanish Armada.
• Paper 3: 30% - The ‘Nazi Germany’ study is the story of how, between the First World War and the Second World War, a democratic Germany became a one-party dictatorship led by Adolph Hitler.

who is this course aimed at?

This course is aimed at students who are interested in History and enjoy discovering how and why events happen and their impact, both historically and in relation to the modern world. The History course is worth one GCSE and is a well-respected course by colleges, employers and universities. History helps to develop many skills which employers value such as independent learning, literacy skills, debating, evaluation and analysis.

 Possible careers associated with this subject:

• Journalism
• Legal Professions
• Teaching
• Business
• Marketing
• Government
• Public Services: e.g. Police