History
Mr E Holt (Head of Department)
History is not just about dates! Through the study of the following history topics, you will gain vital key skills such as problem solving, analysis of evidence, empathy and teamwork. These skills are essential, not only for History and other subjects in school, but for any career you may wish to pursue in the future.
Key Stage 3
Year 7
Term 1
- What is history?
- Aztec DCF project
- The Battle of Hastings
- Castles
Term 2
- The Welsh Princes
- King John
- The Church
Term 3
- Medieval towns and manors
- The Black Death
Useful Books/Magazines/Publications
- BBC's History Extra magazine.
- Medieval Minds, Think through History series by Byrom, Counsell and Riley.
- Check television listings for programmes, especially the BBC, the History Channel and the Discovery Channel.
Year 8
Term 1
- Henry VII
- Henry VIII
- Edward and Mary's religious changes
- Elizabeth I
Term 2
- Tudor life
- Aztecs
- Witchcraft
- Voyages of Discovery
Term 3
- English Civil War
- Significant events of the 17th Century e.g. the Fire of London
- Slavery
Useful Books/Magazines/Publications
- BBC's History Extra magazine.
- In Search of History, 1485-1714 by J.F. Aylett.
- Check television listings for programmes, especially the BBC, the History Channel and the Discovery Channel.
Year 9
Term 1
- Industrial Revolution
- 19th Century Crime – Jack the Ripper
- 9/11
Term 2
- Significant events and people of the 20th Century e.g. Pearl Harbour
- Titanic
- World War One
Term 3
- World War Two
- Nazi Germany
- American Popular Culture
Ways in which parents can help
- Encourage pupils to check over homework and make corrections to classwork.
- Pupils are encouraged to research topics so parents may help with this.
- Ensure work is copied up after absence.
Useful Websites
Useful Books/Magazines/Publications
- BBC's History Extra magazine.
- Modern Minds, The Twentieth Century World from the Think Through History series by Byrom, Counsell, Gorman, Peaple and Riley.
- Check television listings for programmes, especially the BBC, the History Channel and the Discovery Channel.
Key Stage 4
History GCSE
At GCSE you will study Germany 1929-1947, the USA 1929-2000 and South Africa 1948-94. Through the study of these modern history topics, you will gain vital key skills such as problem solving, analysis of evidence, empathy and teamwork. These skills are essential, not only for History and other subjects in school, but for any career you may wish to pursue in the future.
Choosing History at GCSE will provide you with numerous opportunities for further progression. At 'AS' and 'A' level, in colleges and universities, History is a very relevant subject. For example, many professions such as Medicine and Law feel that History opens the minds of students. Therefore, History can gain you entry into a wide range of careers, including television, radio, journalism, the police force, medicine, law, social work, the civil service and politics. You could even become a future Prime Minister!
The subject is taught through a range of sources including video, CD-Rom, magazines and first-hand experiences and goes well with most other subjects.
History is most definitely not a thing of the past, but a route to YOUR future!
Assessment
Please find below a breakdown of topics
- Germany 1929 – 1947: 1 hour 15 minute examination (25%)
- South Africa 1948 – 1994: 1 hour 15 minute examination (25%)
- USA 1929 – 2000: 1 hour 15 minute examination (25%)
Key Stage 5
History
Course Details
Qualification Level: AS & A Level
Awarding Body: WJEC
QAN Ref. No. - AS Level: 601/5830/X
QAN Ref. No. - A Level: 601/5817/7
Course Content
AS Level
Unit 1 - Politics, Protest and Reform in Wales and England c. 1780-1880
e.g. Protest such as Chartism, political and social changes in society, Prime Ministers such as Peel and Disraeli.
Unit 2 - Weimar and its challenges, c. 1918-1933
e.g. The changes within Germany during the years of the Weimar Republic, including the development of the Nazi Party.
A2 Level
Unit 3 - The American Century c. 1890-1990
e.g. America's relations with the rest of the world, the struggle for civil rights during the Twentieth Century.
Unit 4 - Nazi Germany
e.g. The Nazi's social, racial and religious policies.
Unit 5
Non-Examined Assessment based on the USA's involvement in Vietnam.
Assessment Procedure
AS Level
Unit 1 Examination (based on essay style questions)
Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes - 20% of A2 grade
Unit 2 Examination (based on source based questions)
Written examination: 1 hour 45 minutes - 20% of A2 grade
A2 Level
Unit 3 Examination (based on essay style questions)
Written examination: 1 hour 45 minutes - 20% of A2 grade
Unit 4 Examination (source and essay based questions)
Written examination: 1 hour 45 minutes - 20% of A2 grade
Unit 5 Non-Examined Assessment
A research-based exercise - 20% of A2 grade
Entry Requirements
A C grade at GCSE in History is preferred. However, consideration will be given to students who have not taken GCSE History, but have gained a C grade in English or a similar subject.
Progression
History can gain you entry into a wide range of careers; television, radio, journalism, the police force, medicine, law, social work, the civil service and politics.
