Key Stage 4

GCSE History is a writing based subject, requiring skills of analysis, evaluation, and interpretation.

Students will learn through rigorous practising of essay and source analysis skills.

Course information:

Exam board: Edexcel

Paper

Topic

Unit

Topic

1

Medicine in Britain, c1250-present and the British sector of the Western Front 1914-18: injuries, treatment and the trenches 30% of total qualification

2

Early Elizabethan England, 1558-1588 20% of total qualification

2

Superpower relations and the Cold War, 1941-91 20% of total qualification

3

Weimar and Nazi Germany, 1918-39 30% of total qualification

Paper 1 – Written examination: 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Paper 2 – Written examination: 1 hour and 50 minutes.

Paper 3 – Written examination: 1 hours and 30 minutes.

GCSE History is assessed through four assessment objectives:

  • AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the key features and characteristics of the periods studied (35%).
  • AO2: Explain and analyse historical events and periods studied using secondorder1 historical concepts (35%).
  • AO3: Analyse, evaluate and use sources (contemporary to the period) to make substantiated judgements, in the context of historical events studied (15%).
  • AO4: Analyse, evaluate and make substantiated judgements about interpretations (including how and why interpretations may differ) in the context of historical events studied (15%).

Homework:
Homework will be set weekly. Homework is in the form of pre-learning and revising key content using the platforms GCSE Pod/BBC bitesize as well as practice exam questions designed to consolidate the learning taking place.
 
Assessment:
Lessons include knowledge retrieval questions to assess prior learning. Lessons involve the active use of mini whiteboards to check for understanding and to provide real time feedback and to deal with misconceptions quickly. Students will complete regular written exam-style questions during the academic year where they will be given teacher feedback on how to improve. Year 10 students will sit a mid-year mock in January and end of year mock exams in the summer term.  Year 11 students will sit mock exams in November and in March.

Contacts:
For further information/clarification about this course please contact Ms West – Carla.west@Nuneatonacademy.org.uk