GCSE History
Overview
GCSE History is a popular option choice. It combines the study of a British and a European element of history with the development of skills to critically evaluate a range of different sources. It is recognised as a good qualification and counts towards the E-Bacc award.
History is important in helping to understand how the past has made the world as it is, but it is also important in developing the skills needed to study the past effectively.
Course Outline
GCSE History consists of three main areas.
- A development Study on Crime and Punishment, which looks at the history of Crime and Punishment across time from the Romans to the present day.
- A depth Study on Germany from 1919 to 1945, looking at the history of Germany after the First World War the failure of the Weimar Republic, the rise of Hitler and life in Nazi Germany.
- A unit on ‘Representations of History’ which involves a study of the Impact of the First and Second World Wars on Britain. This forms the basis of the Controlled Assessment.
Assessment
There are four assessments to the GCSE course.
- Paper 1, 25% of the final grade, this knowledge based paper examines the work on Crime and Punishment.
- Paper 2, 25% of the final grade, this knowledge based paper examines the work on Weimar and Nazi Germany.
- Paper 3, 25% of the final grade, is a source based examination, on one aspect of the Crime and Punishment work.
- All examinations take place at the end of year 11.
- The Controlled Assessment, 25% of the GCSE, completed in class in the autumn term Year 11 and examines the Impact of the First and Second World Wars on Britain.
Examining Board
Edexcel History B (Schools History Project)
Crime and Punishment 5HB01/B
Germany 5HB02/C
Protest 5HB03/B
Career Opportunities
With a history qualification you will have gained skills highly valued by employers, such as analytical and critical reasoning, oral and written communication and research skills - a history qualification is a good launch pad for a wide range of careers, including law, the public sector, business management and finance.
Teaching Methods
The quality of teaching in the department has been graded as ‘Outstanding’ most of the time. Marking and feedback has improved and leads the way in the college. The feedback from students regarding teaching in the department is more positive than ever. Staff in the department continually strive to improve and refine their practice and are instrumental in supporting teaching improvements across the college.
How is the course graded
Skill Requirements
GCSE students are encouraged to work over an extended period of time on the development of their projects. This process is broken down into easily understood targets by the Art teacher and requires a mature and independent approach from the student in order to be successful.
Students should always have a set of personal targets to complete – these targets are likely to be detailed on the student’s Progress Log and found on the task lists in their sketchbook.
How can you help?
Ask your son/daughter about their artwork and their ideas. Take them to galleries and to places where they can gather photographs for their work. Provide them with materials and tools, and try to sort out a space in the house for them to study. Finally, ask to see their Progress Logs – it’s all there!
Extra-curricular Support
The Art Department opens its doors daily to students to come and work at break, lunchtime and after school on Tuesdays & Thursdays. We regularly arrange Saturday Workshops, sometimes inviting specialist artists to deliver a master class. There are many other opportunities to be involved more in Art such as mural painting, Rock Challenge set design and Saatchi Online (www.saatchionline.com/shtc)