Students will study four different topics covering a range of early modern and modern British and European History Studies.  These include a thousand-year study of the changing nature of crime and punishment in Britain, C1000-present day, with a case study of the Whitechapel area of London in the late 19th Century.  There is also a depth study of Weimar and Nazi Germany, followed by Superpower Relations and the Cold War 1941-1991, and finally Anglo-Saxon and Norman England c1060-1088.

HOW STUDENTS WILL STUDY

Students will use a range of traditional and interactive learning methods throughout the duration of their GCSE History course.  Using new and interactive technology is an exciting opportunity to bring the past to life.  History is a subject which nurtures an inquisitive nature and promotes independence.  Students will develop a high level of literacy through their study of History, and should be prepared to read and write to a high standard in both their class and home studies.  Where possible, learning is enhanced with ‘out of classroom’ opportunities.  In recent years this has included visits to Berlin and Auschwitz, where students can witness first-hand the results of anti-Semitism and the impact of war on modern day Europe, and a visit to the Galleries of Justice Crime and Punishment museum in Nottingham.

DEPARTMENT STRENGTHS AND RESOURCES

Staff are well trained and equipped to deliver the GCSE syllabus and have built up a bank of expert resources for students to benefit from.  All lesson materials are produced by Highfields staff and as such are accessible to all students and promote a high standard of achievement.  The department boasts three expert examiners who have been able to use their exam board experience to build and deliver a curriculum that is both engaging and rewarding.

HOW STUDENTS WILL BE ASSESSED

Students sit three examinations at the end of Year 11:

Paper 1 – Crime and Punishment 30% (1 hour 15 minutes).

Paper 2 – Section A: Superpower Relations and the Cold War 1941-91, Section B: Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, c1060-1088 40% (1 hour 45 minutes).

Paper 3 – Weimar and Nazi Germany 1918-39 30% (1 hour 20 minutes).

Each exam has a clear area of focus, which allows for a clear and structured revision programme.  Revision sessions for all three examination units will be offered in school prior to the exam season.

PROGRESSION ROUTES

History is a subject which is exceptionally rewarding within its own right and also opens doors to study in other areas.  We have a high level of uptake for A-Level History, but many of our GCSE Historians also opt for new Humanities subjects such as Sociology, Psychology and Law.  The study of History is essential to anyone considering a career in Law or Politics, but also a useful pathway into many other careers; such as Teaching, Journalism and Heritage. The study of History is highly regarded amongst Britain’s top universities.

More info:

Head of Department:

Miss J Tappenden- Head of History jtappenden@hswv.co.uk

 

 

Student Quote:

‘GCSE History was probably the hardest but most rewarding GCSE I took! I know that I worked hard for that 9 and that makes it even more rewarding!’