History

The intent of the History Curriculum

Paper 1: Understanding the modern world
Section A - America, 1840–1895: Expansion and consolidation (Period study)

This period study focuses on the development of America during a turbulent half century of change. It was a period of expansion and consolidation – the expansion to the west and consolidation of the United States as a nation.

• Expansion: opportunities and challenges
• Conflict between the culture of the native Indians and the Americans
• Consolidation: forging the nation

Section B  - Conflict and tension, 1894–1918 (Wider world depth study)

This wider world depth study enables students to understand the complex and diverse interests of nations and 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.

• The causes of the First World War, The First World War: stalemate and Ending the war

Paper 2: Shaping the Nation

Section A: Britain: Health and the people: C1000 to the present day (Thematic Study)

This thematic study will enable students to gain an understanding of how medicine and public health developed in Britain over a long period of time. It considers the causes, scale, nature and consequences of short and long term developments, their impact on British society and how they were related to the key features and characteristics of the periods during which they took place.

• Medicine stands still, The beginnings of change, A revolution in medicine and Modern medicine

Section B: Norman England C1066 – C1100 (British depth studies including the historic environment)

This option allows students to study in depth the arrival of the Normans and the establishment of their rule. The depth study will focus on major aspects of Norman rule, considered from economic, religious, political, social and cultural standpoints of this period and arising contemporary and historical controversies.

• The Normans: conquest and control
• Life under the Normans
• The Norman church and monasticism
• The historic environment of Norman England

OR

Section B: Elizabethan England C 1568-1603

This option allows students to study in depth the last 35 years of Elizabeth l'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.

• Life in Elizabethan time
• Troubles at home and school
• The historic environment of Elizabethan England

The decision on which Section B option will be based on the nature of the historic environment.

The impact of the History Curriculum at the end of Key Stage 4

How it is examined?

Papers 1 and 2 are examined in the same way and are worth 50% each:
Written exams: Two papers. Two hours long worth 84 marks (including 4 marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar).

What qualification will I get? What could it lead to?

• AQA Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in History

From this you might go on to study A level History. A study of History shows employers and higher education institutions that you can understand the views of others, argue a point convincingly and evaluate an argument.

Career directions might include:

Working in media, law or politics industries, becoming a teacher or more specially a museums service, working for the national trust, or a career in archaeology.