History

Why should I choose it?

Do you:         

• Want to find out what makes people tick?
• Want to find out what motivates people?
• Want to see what part luck plays in big events?
• Want to learn how to argue well?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then, without hesitation, you should choose History GCSE.  Apart from being very interesting, studying the past may just brighten your future!

What does the course involve?

You will study Medicine Through Time, from the Medieval period right up to the present day, Henry VIII and his Ministers, Superpower relations and the Cold War  1941-1991 and the USA, 1954-75: conflict at home and abroad. 

What skills will I develop?

As already hinted at, you will learn how to communicate clearly and express yourself verbally and on paper.  You will learn how to gather information and make judgements on different historical interpretations; you will use many different sources in order to produce balanced arguments.  Finally, you will gain a greater understanding of the past which will certainly help to make sense of the present.

How will I learn?

You will learn through a variety of activities, including group work, paired work, role play and presentations, with independent learning playing a major part.  You will read extracts from books and sources from the time.  There may even be a visit to see history up close and personal.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed by three written examinations.

What could a qualification lead to?

Employers who see you have a qualification in History will know certain things about you; you can express yourself, gather information, check facts and arguments and that you are fairly knowledgeable.  Employers and universities like to see that you followed a balanced course at school.  It is a good qualification for budding journalists, accountants, TV researchers, librarians, teachers, solicitors, lawyers, judges and many more.