History

GCSE History is a course designed to expose pupils to a wide range of historical content, themes and skills. The syllabus covers over 1,000 years of history, where themes such as power, society and health are considered across a variety of continents. Pupils learn how to evaluate sources as well as write extended answers to historical questions.

Where can this subject take you? 

The study of history can lead to a wide range of careers, from traditional roles like archivist and museum curator to fields like law, journalism, and finance. History develops valuable transferable skills such as critical thinking, research, and communication, making graduates sought after in many sectors, including government, marketing, and the arts. It equips pupils for diverse paths, whether in heritage management, civil service, or business.

Course Content/Structure 

Global Discovery c1000 – Present 

This thematic study will enable pupils to gain an understanding of how knowledge developed in Britain over a long period of time. It considers the causes, scale, nature and consequences of short- and long-term developments, their impact on British society and how they were related to the key features and characteristics of the periods during which they took place. Although the focus of this study is the development of medicine and public health in Britain, it will draw on wider world developments that impact on the core themes. 

European Diplomacy 1918-1939 

This depth study enables pupils to understand the complex and diverse interests of different individuals and states including the Great Powers. It looks at concepts such as national self-determination, ideas of internationalism and the challenges of revising the peace settlement. It focuses on the causes of the Second World War and seeks to show how and why conflict occurred and why it proved difficult to resolve the issues which caused it. This study also considers the role of key individuals and groups in shaping change, as well as how they were affected by, and influenced, international relations. 

American Freedom 1920 – 1973 

This period study focuses on the development of the USA during a turbulent half century of change. It was a period of opportunity and inequality – when some Americans lived the ‘American Dream’ whilst others grappled with the nightmare of poverty, discrimination and prejudice. Pupils will study the political, economic, social and cultural aspects of these two developments and the role ideas played in bringing about change. They will also look at the role of key individuals and groups in shaping change and the impact the developments had on them. 

English Power 1568 – 1603 

This option allows pupils to study in depth a specified period: the last 35 years of Elizabeth I’s reign. The study will focus on major events of Elizabeth I’s reign considered from economic, religious, political, social and cultural standpoints, and arising contemporary and historical controversies. In addition, a case study offers pupils the opportunity to investigate an environment of historical interest. 

Assessment

There are two exam papers for this course, each containing two of the above modules. All modules are equally weighted and consist of 25% of the final grade. 

The examination consists of both short and longer questions but there are no essay questions required. 

• Paper 1 – Conflict and Tension: The Inter-War Years, 1918 – 1939 and America, 1920-1973: Opportunity and Inequality. 
• Paper 2 – Health and the people: c1000 – Present, and Elizabethan England 1568 – 1603. 

Additional Information

Exam Board:
AQA GCSE

Head of Department:
Jonathan Comben – jcc@rydeschool.net