GCSE History

This qualification is linear. Linear means that you will sit all your exams at the end of the course. GCSE History students must take assessments in both of the following papers:

Paper 1: Understanding the modern world

Paper 2: Shaping the nation

What will I learn?

The GCSE History content comprises the following elements:

• one period study
• one wider world depth study
• one thematic study
• one British depth study including the historic environment.

 Paper 1: Understanding the modern world

Section A: Period study

Russia 1894-1945 Tsardom and communism

This period study focuses on the development of Russia during a turbulent half century of change. It was a period of autocracy and communism – the fall of the Tsar and the rise and consolidation of communism under Lenin and Stalin. You will study the political, economic, social and cultural aspects of these two developments and the role ideas played in influencing change. You will also look at the role of key individuals and groups in shaping change and the impact the developments had on them.

Section B: Wider world depth study

Conflict and Tension – the causes and events of the First World War 1894-1918

This wider world depth study enables you to understand the complex and diverse interests of the Great Powers and other states. It focuses on the causes, nature and conclusion of the First World War and seeks to show how and why conflict occurred, and why it proved difficult to bring the war to a conclusion. This study also considers the role of key individuals and groups in shaping change and how they were affected by and influenced international relations.

Paper 2: Shaping the nation

Section A: Thematic study

Britain Power and the people: c.1170 to the present day

This thematic study will enable you to gain an understanding of the development of the relationship between the citizen and the state in Britain over a long period of time. It considers the causes, scale, nature and consequences of protest to that relationship. By charting the journey from feudalism and serfdom to democracy and equality, it reveals how, in different periods, the state responds to challenges to its authority and their impact. It allows you to construct an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of the citizen. You will have the opportunity to see how ideas, events or developments in the wider world affected the course of Britain’s political development and you will appreciate the idea that ideas of authority, challenge and rights did not develop in isolation, but should be seen in terms of how they affected Britain and British people.

Section B: British depth study including the historic environment

Elizabethan England c.1568-1603

This is a 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. This unit includes the study of different historic environments and will enrich your understanding of Elizabethan England.

Year 10 Battlefields Trip to the WWI Battlefields of Belgium and France