GCSE History

The GCSE History course is divided into 4 units, 3 of which are exam based. The other unit is completed by means of a controlled assessment. A description of each unit and the weighting are as follows:

Unit 1 - Depth Study U.S.A: A Nation of Contrasts 1910 - 1929

This unit focuses in depth on selected themes and issues relating to the history of the USA between1910-1929. Candidates will be required to consider the:

main problems and challenges facing American society during the period, the major economic problems and the development of American culture and Society
candidates should develop an awareness of how aspects of life in the USA in this period have been represented and interpreted and they should also investigate any relevant issues using a range of historical sources

There will be one examination paper of 1hour 15 minutes duration.

The raw mark will be 50 and the weighting 25%

Unit 2 - Depth Study: Germany in Transition 1929 - 1947

This unit focuses in depth on selected themes and issues relating to the history of Germany from 1929-1947. Candidates will be required to consider the:

Factors which led to the rise of the Nazi regime, the impact of change on the lives of the German people and the significance of war for Germany
Candidates should develop an awareness of how aspects of life in Germany during this period have been represented and interpreted and they should also investigate any relevant issues using a range of historical sources

There will be one examination paper of 1hour 15 minutes duration.

The raw mark will be 50 and the weighting 25%

Unit 3 - Outline Study: Changing life in the USA 1929-2000

This unit focuses on the key trends and turning points that have affected the development of the USA between 1929-2000. Candidates will be required to consider the developments, events and personalities which have shaped the recent history of the USA. Candidates will be required to examine the major political, social, economic and cultural perspectives which have affected the lives of the American people over the duration of this period.

Candidates will be required to answer two questions, from a choice of three, in Section A and one question from a choice of three in Section B. There will be an examination paper of 1 hour 15 minutes duration.

The raw mark will be 50 and the weighting 25%

Unit 4 - Rational for Controlled Assessment

The controlled assessment is a compulsory part of GCSE History. It compliments the external examinations by offering a distinct means of assessment.

It is important for a number of reasons:

It enables candidates to engage in the process of historical enquiry and reach substantiated conclusions
It enables candidates to analyse and evaluate historical sources and interpretations of history in the context of an enquiry
It enables candidates to produce extended narratives, explanations and analysis

This will be a controlled assessment, which will be internally assessed.

The raw mark will be 50 and the weighting 25%

Controlled assessment will be completed in the autumn of 2014. The theme of two essays will be World War 2.

Exams

One of the Depth Study exams will take place in summer term year 10. The remaining depth study exam and the outline study - USA 1929 - 2000 will take place in summer term year 11.