GCSE History
History
Syllabus: Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in History (1HI0)
COURSE OUTLINE
The History GCSE Syllabus will consist of the following units:
Paper 1: Thematic study and historic environment (Paper codes: 1HI0/10–12)
Written examination: 1 hour and 15 minutes
30%* of the qualification
Content overview: Crime and punishment through time, c1000–present
This comprises a thematic study (Crime and punishment in Britain, c1000–present) and a study of a historic environment (Whitechapel, c1870–c1900: crime, policing and the inner city).
Paper 2: Period study and British depth study (Paper codes: 1HI0/20–29)
Written examination: 1 hour and 45 minutes
40%* of the qualification
Early Elizabethan England, 1558–88.
This unit consists of three key topics which explore the reign of Elizabeth I: Queen, government and religion, 1558–69, Challenges to Elizabeth at home and abroad, 1569–88, and Elizabethan society in the Age of Exploration, 1558–88
Superpower relations and the Cold War, 1941–91
This unit explores the issues surrounding the ideological differences between the USA and the USSR and the crisis that occurred as a result of this. The unit covers three key topics: The origins of the Cold War, 1941–58, Cold War crises, 1958–70, and The end of the Cold War, 1970–91
Paper 3: Modern depth study (Paper codes: 1HI0/30–33)
Written examination: 1 hour and 20 minutes
30%* of the qualification
The USA, 1954–75: conflict at home and abroad
This unit explores the social and political developments that occurred in the USA 1954-76. The key topics are: The development of the civil rights movement, 1954–60, Protest, progress and radicalism, 1960–75, US involvement in the Vietnam War, 1954–75 and Reactions to, and the end of, US involvement in Vietnam, 1964-75
The course is taught in a variety of ways. You will be involved in group discussion work and problem solving exercises to help you use historical sources.
Written assessments, including past questions and research tasks are used. Essay writing is taught as a skill to use in exams and further education. You will be given the opportunity to improve your debating skills as well.
You will be expected to reflect and improve upon your exam technique at regular intervals throughout the course.
ASSESSMENT
You will be assessed through three written exams which will be completed at the end of Year 11, Paper 1 (30%), Paper 2 (40%) and Paper 3 (30%).
Teachers will also assess progress through written work, factual tests and exam questions.
FURTHER STUDY
This course will provide an excellent skills base for students to continue their studies in History to AS/A Level. The GCSE develops written and oral skills of analysis, evaluation, debate and presentation. These skills are extremely useful in further and higher education. They are also highly prized by prospective employers.
Among the careers that a History GCSE could lead to are Law, Banking, Management, Teaching, the Civil Service, Journalism, Broadcasting, Publishing, the Armed Forces and Local Government.
Learning Leader – Ms J Howlett
