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
- You will complete 4 units of study over the two years.
- You will complete two externally examined units in Year 10. This totals 50% of your final GCSE grade.
- NEA and the remaining examined unit will be completed in Year 11. This completes the final 50% of your GCSE.
What will I study?
Unit 1: Depression, War and Recovery, 1930-1951.
This option focuses in-depth on selected themes and issues relating to the history of depression, war and recovery during the period 1930-1951. Learners will be consider the main features of life in the Depression in Britain and consider the contrast between areas of affluence and areas where the impact of the Depression was felt more deeply. The unit also considers the impact of war on the Home Front and the problems facing post-war Britain leading to the creation of the welfare State whilst considering connections between aspects of the period and interpretations of key issues.
This unit will be examined at the end of Year 10 and will contribute to 25% of the final GCSE grade.
Unit 2: Germany in Transition, 1918-1939.
This unit begins by examining Germany after the First World War and the challenges facing Germany at the time. Learners will then examine the brief period of recovery under the Weimar Republic before studying the impact of the Wall St Crash on the country. The unit then looks at the social, political and economic climate that led to the rise to power of Hitler and the Nazis and their consolidation of power between January 1933 and August 1934. Learners will study how Nazi rule impacted life in Germany whilst developing crucial skills of source analysis and evaluation of primary source material.
This unit will be examined at the end of Year 10 and will contribute to 25% of the final GCSE grade.
Unit 3: Crime and Punishment, c.1500-the present day.
This unit considers the period c.1500 to the present day. Learners will consider the change and continuity in the causes and types of crime examining time-specific crimes such as heresy, smuggling, highway robbery and transport crime. Learners will then look at enforcing law and order and the methods of combating crime over time beginning with the use of the hue and cry and posse comitatus in the Medieval period, through to the creation of the Metropolitan Police in 1829 and the development of the police force as we know it today. Finally, the unit examines attitudes to punishment over time and the subsequent methods of punishment that have been used, including the use of stocks and pillories, transportation and the evolution of the prison system. In addition to these themes, learners will study the historic site of 'China' in nineteenth century Merthyr Tydfil. Learners will be required to identify areas of continuity and changes across the time period.
This unit will be examined at the end of Year 11 and will contribute to 30% of the final GCSE grade.
Unit 4: Working as a Historian.
The non-examination assessments involves the completion of two separate tasks, one with a focus on source evaluation related to the impact of World War One upon women and one with a focus on the formation of different historical interpretations of the generals of the Great War.
This unit is an non-examined assessment completed in the summer of Year 10 and Autumn of Year 11 and will contribute to 20% of the final GCSE grade.
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 judgements
- 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 recently received an offer to study History from 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: