We all live in a constantly changing and interconnected world. Understanding historical events is crucial for making sense of current happenings. GCSE History assists us in achieving this by examining significant events and figures from the past and their influence on our present. The study of History trains you to select relevant information, assess the validity of an argument, think and write logically, make informed judgements about controversial issues and present a well-ordered case backed by supporting evidence. These are all skills that are cross-curricular and highly sought after in higher education and employment.
The GCSE History course allows you to explore a wide and diverse selection of topics from various historical periods and societies. Students can examine, analyse, and assess historical figures and events from periods of time essential in the journey into the modern world.
Overview
- Four units, two of which will be taught in Year 10 and two of which will be taught in Year 11.
- Two examined units, one in the Summer of Year 10 and one in the Summer of Year 11.
- Two non-examined units, one completed on-screen in the Spring term of Year 10, the other completed within lessons during Year 11.
- 50% of the qualification is completed by the end of Year 10.
- 40% of the qualification is comprised of non-examined assessments.
What will I study?
Unit 1: An in-depth study on Welsh history
Wales and the early Tudors, c.1485–c.1547
In this unit learners will develop their knowledge of Wales in the mid-fifteenth century in order to understand the important features of life in Wales at this time. They will then go on to study the accession of Henry VII and the governance of Wales during his reign. Learners will then study Henry VIII's early attempts to control Wales and impact of the early Reformation on the country. The unit is completed by studying the Acts of Union, 1536 and 1543, and their impact upon Wales concluding the importance of the language clauses of the Acts and the extent to which Wales was assimilated into, rather than unified with, England.
This unit will be examined in the Summer of Year 10 in a 1-hour exam worth 30% of the overall grade.
Unit 2: An in-depth study on European history
The Black Death, c.1330-1360: a case study in Medieval society
As part of this unit learners will study plagues and their impact on human society including the differences between the types of plague and other historical outbreaks of the plague. Learners will consider how the disease was able to spread in the fourteenth century and understand how the Black Death spread geographically including its arrival in the Near East and Mediterranean and its distribution northward and westward. Learners will study attempts to limit the spread of the disease and reactions to the spread of disease. The unit concludes with a discussion of the legacy of the Black Death and its importance including the mortality rate and the impact of death and disease on families, communities and beliefs.
This unit is a non-examined assessment completed in the Spring term of Year 10 in a 3-hour chunked on-screen assessment exam worth 20% of the overall grade.
Unit 3: A study in a period of world history
Changes in US society, c.1880-1980
Unit 3 covers a transformative period of time in American history, the impact of which has been felt around the globe. Learners have the opportunity to consider some of the key changes in America society across one hundred years beginning by looking at the US at the turn of the twentieth century. Learners will then study race and immigration including the legacy of slavery, the treatment of Indigenous Peoples, and the experiences of immigrant communities. The study continues by examining the roaring '20s and Jazz Age before looking at the end of prosperity and the consequences of the Wall St Crash. Learners study developments in civil rights between 1945 and 1968 including the key figures of Martin Luther King Jr and Malcolm X before considering Second-wave feminism from the 1960s onwards.
This unit will be examined in the Summer of Year 11 in a 1-hour exam worth 30% of the overall grade.
Unit 4: A changing society
A study of themed events within a continuous period of c. 75-100 years of history
This unit provides an insight into the different experiences of people through the study of themed events in the 20th century in order to understand a period of change in society within Great Britain. The unit is based on the concepts of continuity and change, similarity and difference, significance and impact, and causes and consequences. Learners will consider the following nine themes:
- Culture
- Equality and inequality
- Ethnicity
- International relations
- Peace and conflict
- Politics
- Religion
- Sex, sexuality and gender
- Social and economic issues.
This unit is a non-examined assessment completed within class worth 20% of the overall qualification.
What skills will I develop?
GCSE History is the perfect subject to develop a wide range of transferable skills for employment or further study, including:
- Reaching conclusions and making judgments
- Problem solving
- Writing skills
- Research skills
- Independent study skills
- Analytical and evaluative skills
- Making connections.
Careers in 'History'
Employers are always looking for young people who are able to think critically and analytically, both key attributes of the historian. Studying GCSE History can help you take the first steps towards a variety of career paths, including law, journalism, marketing, human resources, broadcasting, banking, publishing, management, and government and administration.
GCSE History also serves as a platform for further study at A level and undergraduate level, either in History itself or in a wide range of alternative disciplines.
It can act as the foundation stone for education of all kinds and helps develop academic skills crucial in a range of fields. History is a highly regarded academic discipline which provides a number of valuable transferable skills. These include the ability to absorb large quantities of information, sift content, analyse sources and interpretations, shape arguments and reach balanced conclusions.
Famous Historians
Joe Biden Elected President of the United States in 2020, Joe Biden graduated with a double major in History and Political Science from the University of Delaware in 1965.
Louis Theroux Filmmaker, author, broadcaster and journalist Louis Theroux also makes the list of famous History graduates. The famously awkward yet inquisitive documentary-maker earned a first-class degree from the University of Oxford.
Steve Carell Comedian Steve Carell has won favour through his iconic performances in the TV show The Office and the Anchorman films. Along with these achievements is his History degree from Denison University in 1984.
Sacha Baron Cohen A University of Cambridge History graduate, Sacha Baron Cohen may love to play morally and intellectually flawed characters, but his genuine intelligence and guile are always on show.
Shakira Shakira has been a celebrity for most of her life. She’s had chart hits since she was 13, so, unlike the other examples, she never got the chance to experience student life. That changed, however, when she took time out of a tour to study Ancient History at UCLA for a month, dressing up as a boy so none of her classmates recognized her.
What do our learners say?
"I loved studying GCSE History as it was very interesting. My teacher helped me do well in exams and supported me through the GCSE helping me to fulfil my potential."
Kiyan Davies, Year 13.
"The History department always go the extra mile to involve all students and ensure that everyone understands the topic. The staff are always engaged and interested in their topics which comes across in the teaching style and the trip to Germany and Poland was a life-changing experience and one I'll never forget."
Nevan Rea, Year 13. Never plans to study English Literature at undergraduate level.
"History GCSE has allowed me to explore a subject I love. The teachers are always helpful and we have been able to study interesting topics I haven't studied before."
Dylan Symmonds, Year 13. Dylan is currently completing his first year studying Ancient and Modern History at New College, Oxford.
Although the video below discusses a degree in History, it gives an insight into the world of possibilities that come from studying History: