Course Choices Video

What is our curriculum intent?

History is packed with fascinating questions. If you have a keen interest in the past and enjoy the chance to make up your own mind and argue your own point of view, you will find GCSE history exciting, challenging and, with hard work, ultimately rewarding.

How do we implement our curriculum?

AQA GCSE history builds on some of the work you have done in Year 9 by focusing on several aspects of the Twentieth Century. Therefore you will be familiar with some of the history you will be studying. This will make some topics easier to understand whilst many topics will be brand new to you. You will also be taught to develop your skills in history such as examining and judging evidence and writing arguments about controversial subjects in history.

Unit 1 – Period Study – Germany 1890 – 1945: Democracy and Dictatorship

This period study focuses on the development of Germany during a turbulent half century of change which saw the development and collapse of democracy as well as the rise and fall of Nazism. Topics covered include…

a) Germany and the growth of democracy. Why was it difficult for Kaiser Wilhelm to rule Germany? What was the impact of the First World War on Germany? How did democracy develop under the Weimar Republic?

b) Germany and the Depression / Rise of the Nazis. Why was there a growth in support for Hitler and the Nazis between 1929 and 1933? Why was Hitler appointed Chancellor of Germany? How did Hitler eliminate opposition and become Fuhrer?

c) The experiences of Germans under the Nazis. What were the main economic changes in Germany? How did the Nazis control society (including anti-Semitism)? Why and how did resistance to the Nazis develop 1941 – 1945?


Unit 2 – Wider World Depth Study – Conflict and Tension 1894 – 1918: The First World War

This unit focuses on the causes, nature and conclusion of the First World War. Students will study how and why conflict occurred and why it proved difficult to bring the war to a conclusion. Topics covered include…

  • a) The causes of the First World War. How did the Alliance system develop? Why did Britain and Germany become rivals? How did the assassination of Franz Ferdinand lead to the outbreak of war?
  • b) The stalemate of the First World War. Why did the Schlieffen Plan fail? How did trench warfare develop? What was the significance of the key battles of the First World War (including the Somme, Verdun, Gallipoli and Jutland)?
  • c) Ending the war. How and why did the war end? What was the impact of the Russian revolution, the entry of the USA and the blockade of Germany?

Unit 3 – British Depth Study – Norman England c1066-1100

This depth study will focus on major areas of Norman rule including economic, religious, political, social and cultural aspects. Topics covered include:

  • a) Conquest and control. What were the causes of the Norman invasion in 1066? How did the Normans win the Battle of Hastings? How did William the Conqueror establish and maintain control of England? (i.e. feudalism, changes in government personnel, use of castles and the Domesday survey)
  • b) Life under the Normans. What was everyday life like in towns and villages and how much changed as a result of the Norman Conquest?
  • c) The Norman Church and monasticism. What was the Anglo Saxon Church like before 1066? How did the Normans reform both the Church and monasteries in England?
  • d) The historic environment of Norman England. Students will be examined on a specific Norman site in depth. For example: Pickering Castle, built during the Harrying of the North, could be examined to show how William used castles to control the English.


Unit 4 – Thematic Study – Britain: Health and the people c 1000 to the present day

This thematic study will enable students to gain an understanding of change over time. Students will have the opportunity to see how some events and ideas in the wider world affected Britain.

  • a) Medicine stands still. What were medieval beliefs about the causes of illness? How did religion play a significant part in medicine? What was the significance of the Black Death in Britain?
  • b) The beginnings of change. How did the Renaissance have an impact on British medicine? How did hospitals develop? What was the significance of Edward Jenner and the prevention of disease?
  • c) A revolution in medicine. How did Germ Theory revolutionise medicine? What were the significant changes in surgery and public health in the 19th Century?
  • d) Modern Medicine. How are diseases treated? What was the impact of the two World Wars on medicine and surgery? What are the major healthcare issues of the 21st Century?

How do we measure the impact of the course?

There are two written examinations.

  • Paper 1 – 2 hours – 50% of GCSE (assessing Units 1 & 2)
  • Paper 2 – 2 hours – 50% of GCSE (assessing Units 3 & 4)

What we teach when

Year 10

Year 11


How are students grouped?

Within each option pool the teaching groups are organised on a mixed ability basis.

How can students be supported by learning at home?

Students will have one or two pieces of homework per week, many of which will be based on GCSE examination questions. This means that students will have plenty of practice and be fully prepared for the final examinations. Students will be taught what examiners are looking for and how to get full marks. Students will learn how to analyse and evaluate all kinds of evidence and be able to write concise and well-reasoned arguments.

What extra opportunities to learn are available?

Students will have the opportunity to visit the Battlefields of World War One in Year 10 to gain an insight into the conditions and battles of the First World War. (This visit will assist students with Units 1, 2 and 4.) A visit to a Norman site may also be possible depending on the location.

What websites do we recommend?

The current examination board specification can be found here.

Students looking to consolidate, enrich or extend their knowledge and understanding might start at:

Contact

A Gaskarth, Curriculum Team Leader, History - agaskarth@wilmslowhigh.com