GCSE History

“The course consists of four different studies in preparation for two examination papers.”

Qualification

GCSE

Awarding Body

AQA

Course Specification

Who to contact for more information about this course

Queries should be directed to Mr Lalor

Years taught

Year 10 and Year 11

What is the course structure?

The subject content for GCSE History states that the scope of study should include history from three eras:

Medieval (500-1500)
Early Modern (1450-1750)
Modern (1700-present day)

Learners will study topics on three timescales:

short (depth study)
medium (period study)
long (thematic study)

Learners will study History within three geographical contexts:

a locality (the historic environment)
British
European and/or wider world settings

What will I study?

The course consists of four different studies in preparation for two examination papers.

Paper 1, Section A – Germany, 1890-1945: Democracy and dictatorship

Part 1: Germany and the growth of democracy
Part 2: Germany and the Depression
Part 3: The experiences of Germans under the Nazis

Paper 1, Section B – Conflict and tension: the First World War, 1894-1918

Part 1: The causes of the First World War
Part 2: The First World War: stalemate
Part 3: Ending the war

Paper 2, Section A – Britain: Health and the people, c1000 to the present day

Part 1: Medicine stands still
Part 2: The beginnings of change
Part 3: A revolution in medicine
Part 4: Modern medicine

Paper 2, Section B – Norman England, c1066-c1100

Part 1: The Normans: conquest and control
Part 2: Life under the Normans
Part 3: The Norman Church and monasticism
Part 4: The historic environment of Norman England

How is the course assessed?

Paper 1 – Germany, 1890-1945: Democracy and dictatorship, and Conflict and tension: the First World War, 1894-1918

Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
84 marks (including 4 marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar)
50% of GCSE

Paper 2 – Britain: Health and the people, c1000 to the present day, and Norman England, c1066-c1100

Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
88 marks (including 4 marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar)
50% of GCSE