History
Our GCSE History course is designed to establish a strong foundation in the subject. The course covers a wide spectrum of periods.
This is a linear qualification, meaning that all components assess at the end of the course.
What is GCSE History?
Course content features an updated and engaging selection of topics covering a diverse range of significant historical events, periods and geographies.
What will I study in GCSE History?
This course follows the IGCSE History Edexcel specification.
The two main topics of study are:
Part 1 – Depth Studies
Germany: development of dictatorship, 1918–45
A world divided: superpower relations, 1943–72
Part 2: Investigation and Breadth Studies
A2 Russia and the Soviet Union, 1905–24 (Investigation)
B6 The changing nature of warfare and international conflict, 1919–2011 (Breadth Study)
The first part is taught in year one and the second in year two. The subject is taught in a variety of ways, including traditional lessons as well as DVDs, presentations and excursions. In short, it caters for all learning styles.
Why should I study GCSE History?
History has so many transferable skills, that one would be hard pushed to find a profession that doesn’t require all or most of them. Many university courses like Law insist on A Level History precisely because of the nature of the skills that are developed. IGCSE History is a good general academic qualification that is also a pathway to other disciplines.
How is GCSE History Assessed?
Assessment is divided between two written examinations:
Paper 1 – Depth Studies
3 Germany: development of dictatorship, 1918–45
6 A world divided: superpower relations, 1943–72
Assessment
- Students are assessed through an examination based on their selected depth studies.
- Students answer two questions, one on each of the depth studies they have studied.
- There are 60 marks available in total.
- The assessment duration is 1 hour 30 minutes.
Paper 2: Investigation and Breadth Studies
A2 Russia and the Soviet Union, 1905–24 (Investigation)
B6 The changing nature of warfare and international conflict, 1919–2011 (Breadth Study)
Assessment
- Students are assessed through an examination based on their historical investigation
and breadth study in change.
- Students answer two questions, one question on their historical investigation and one
question on their breadth study in change.
- There are 60 marks available in total.
- The assessment duration is 1 hour 30 minutes.
