History
Throughout the GCSE course there are opportunities to study history from a variety of perspectives, including political, social, economic and cultural, thereby helping candidates to appreciate the diversity of the societies studied, and the experiences of the people in these societies. It is a very modern course compared with the History studied in Years 7-9. It is Twentieth Century History and it studies important events in other countries as well as Britain. If you have enjoyed History in the first three years, there is no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy the GCSE course. You will continue to develop the Historical skills which you have already been using: looking at sources, dealing with bias and propaganda, and collecting and organising information. The History course is varied and interesting. It helps us to understand the world we live in today. It is essentially about PEOPLE- what they do and why they do it.
It provides the opportunity to study the 20th Century in both breadth and depth It presents the opportunity to study the history of Britain, Europe and the world in the 20th Century.
Unit 1: International Relations in the 20th Century
Unit 1: International Relations in the 20th Century, Written Paper 1 hour 30 minutes 35% of the total marks.
- Why were there two armed camps in Europe in 1914?
- Why did war break out in 1914? Peace-making 1918-1919 and the League of Nations
- Why did the League of Nations fail in its aim to keep the peace?
- Hitler’s foreign policy and the origins of the Second World War
- How did Hitler challenge and exploit the Treaty of Versailles 1933–March 1938?
- Why did Chamberlain’s policy of appeasement fail to prevent the outbreak of war in 1939?
Unit 2: 20th Century Depth Studies
Section A Weimar Germany, 1919–1929 The Roaring 20s: USA, 1919–1929
Section B Hitler’s Germany 1929-39 The USA and Vietnam: Failure Abroad and at Home, 1964–1975
Unit 3 Historical Enquiry: Britain at War This unit will be assessed by means of controlled assessment 25% of total marks. (coursework) Students will submit their responses to three questions on Britain in the 20th century, prepared under controlled conditions. Key Questions: What differences were there in the methods of fighting in the different modes of warfare in WW1 and WW2?
Why were Britain and her allies victorious in WW1 and WW2?
In GCSE History we make use of a variety of Historical resources that include newsreels, films, photographs, cartoons, written primary sources as well as the very latest textbooks approved by the AQA exam board. Work is presented through essays, oral presentations, role play, group and individual projects, wall charts and there is plenty of opportunity to use I.T
There is also the opportunity to visit and study historical events and places first-hand through the trips arranged by the History Department. For example; the World War I Battlefields of the Somme and Ypres and, higher up the school the Berlin Visit in Year 12 & 13. GCSE History is an extremely valuable and highly respected qualification for further training in all areas of education and employment. It combines well with both arts and sciences at A Level and is appropriate and relevant to a range of careers. The skill set that the subject provides you with; critical thinking, analytical approach, the ability to communicate effectively and efficiently are highly prized by further education institutions and employers.
Revision Resources
How do I revise?
USA
World War I
International Relations 1918-39
A Selection of Video Clips:
Germany
A Selection of Video Clips:
