“If you don't know History, you don't know anything. You are a leaf that doesn't know that it's part of a tree” - Michael Crichton
Curriculum Intent
History is a subject that forms the bedrock of our understanding of the culture in which we live as well as the wider world around us. Local History is highlighted in many KS3 units to enable our pupils to make sense of larger national and international events. Understanding the linkages between past and present is vital for a good understanding of the condition of being human. Understanding key concepts within History, such as significance, causation and consequence, unlocks the door for our pupils to be able to ask inquiring questions, analyse information and convey their views in a methodical and structured way. These skills are honed and developed progressively through the curriculum to create historians confident in communicating their views, both in writing and orally. Our History curriculum immerses students in a range of cultures and engenders an enquiring and critical outlook on the world, with skills that can be applied in other subjects and in their future careers. When discussing sensitive topics like war, racism or genocide, we encourage pupils to understand multiple perspectives in order to cultivate flexibility, critical and problem-solving skills and an openness towards other people’s perspectives.
Key Stage 3 Curriculum
the aims of the Key Stage 3 curriculum are:
- To understand the chronological history of Britain
- To know and understand significant aspects of the history of the wider world: ancient civilisations; empires; characteristic features of past non-European societies
- To understand abstract terms such as ‘empire’, ‘civilisation’, ‘parliament’ and ‘peasantry’
- To understand historical concepts such as continuity and change, cause and consequence, similarity, difference and significance
- To use historical concepts to analyse and compare
- To understand the methods of historical enquiry, including how evidence is used to make historical claims, and discern how and why contrasting arguments and interpretations of the past have been constructed
- To gain historical perspective by placing their growing knowledge into different contexts e.g understanding the connections between local, regional, national and international history; and between short- and long-term timescales
Course Structure & Overview
Exam Board: AQA
Syllabus: 8145
- Paper 1: Understanding the Modern World : Written Paper (8145 Section A/ 1B and Section B ) 50%
- Paper 2: Shaping the Nation: Written Paper (8145 Section A 2A and Section B) 50%
History is a very exciting, diverse and interesting subject to study. Studying GCSE History can lead to a whole host of exciting career options, including Journalism, Law, Business, Teaching and Marketing. This course is designed to develop your knowledge and understanding of both Medieval and Modern History. You will study the Norman Conquest, Nazi Germany and the History of Medicine. Along with studying a range of exciting topics, the course promotes and develops valuable skills such as communication, problem solving and analytical skills.
Key Stage 4 Curriculum
The GCSE is made up of two sections.
Paper 1: Understanding the Modern World -Written Paper – 1 hour 45 mins – 50% of GCSE
Section A (6 questions): Germany 1890-1945 Democracy and Dictatorship
This unit focuses on the development of Germany from a democracy to a dictatorship over half a century. Students will study closely the changes that occurred in Germany between the two world wars. Students will answer the question of how Germany went from a country led by a Royal family to that of a country under the control of one of the most notorious leaders Adolf Hitler. Students will look at how Hitler and the Nazi’s came to power and what life like under Nazi rule.
Section B (4 questions): Conflict and Tension East Vs West 1945-1972
This unit focuses on the causes and events of the Cold War and seeks to show how and why two superpowers dominated international events during this period. Students will study why there was so much tension between the USA and USSR and why it was so difficult to resolve this. Students will look at events such as the dropping of the atomic bomb, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the space race and why the Berlin Wall was built.
Paper 2: Shaping the Nation- Written Paper- 1 hour 45 mins – 50% of GCSE
Section A (4 questions): Britain: Health and the people c1000 to present day
This thematic study focuses on how and why medicine and public health developed in Britain over a long period of time. Amongst other factors students will look at how the government, war and science have all impacted medicine. Students will study how surgery and battling infectious diseases progressed along with the impact of war on areas such as plastic surgery etc. Students will also assess the importance of the welfare system in Britain and the role of the NHS within this.
Section B (4 questions): Norman Conquest
This unit focuses on the arrival of the Normans and the establishment of their rule. Students will study how and why William the Conqueror was victorious in 1066 and the method he used to control England. Students will build upon their KS3 knowledge and look at the Feudal system, Domesday Book and how the Norman impact on the Church. This unit includes a study of a local historical site and how it has impacted historical events locally and beyond.
Skills Developed
History involves
• Excellent communication skills
• Understanding that events have been interpreted differently
• Using research and investigating evidence
• Constructing an argument
• Problem solving
• Being analytical
Progression Routes
Many of the students who enjoyed studying GCSE History have gone on to study A Level History. If post-16 is not for you, employers will value the History GCSE qualification as it encourages analytical, investigative and transferable skills.
Future Careers
Employers will value the History GCSE qualification as it encourages analytical, investigative and transferable skills. Future areas of careers include education, business, law, accountancy, politics, heritage organisations, architecture, the civil service, media, and the police and armed forces – among many, many more!