Studying History enables us to understand the world and our place within it. It builds skills that are crucial in today’s world: the ability to think analytically and critically, to research and evaluate sources, and to present and communicate our ideas persuasively.
Course outline
The History GCSE encourages learners to become curious and to develop their own opinions based on a respect for evidence. Students will build a deeper understanding of the present by engaging with and questioning the past. The course develops a wide and deep knowledge of a range of different periods. Students will engage in historical enquiry to develop as independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers.
Students will develop an awareness of why people, events and developments have been accorded historical significance and why different interpretations have been constructed about them. Throughout the course students will study a variety of interesting historical topics: the people’s health, the Elizabethans and America, between 1920-1973.
Students are required to have a personal interest in History and be able to demonstrate strong written, oral and analytical skills.
“History is great! Learning about the foundations of everything around you is interesting and without History, where would we be today?”
Assessment method
| Unit | % of Final Grade | Type of Assessment | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 50% | Exam | ‘The People’s Health’ and ‘The Normans’ – 2 hours |
| 3 | 50% | Exam | ‘America, 1920-1973’ and ‘The First World War’ – 2 Hours |
The future
A-level History can be studied at Ryburn. History is one of the most flexible qualifications you can gain, giving access to a variety of careers and higher education (degree) courses. History is highly valued by universities and employers. History graduates experience some of the best rates of employment ranging from law, journalism and television production. History is a highly valued academic subject, as well as handy in a pub quiz!
