GCSE History

EDEXCEL GCSE History

  • For all students that have enjoyed studying History in years 7 to 9.
  • Develops skills of research, understanding evidence, empathy, communication and how to present an argument clearly.
  • Highly respected GCSE (Ebacc subject)

What will I study & how will I be assessed? 

The course covers 4 topic areas spread over 3 exam papers at the end of year 11.  

Paper 1Medicine in Britain 1250 to present exploring changing ideas about the prevention of disease, treatments and key factors which have had an impact on medicine, such as technology, warfare and religion.  =  1 hour 15 min 

Paper 2

a)The American West 1835 – 1895 – A study of how mass migration to the West of America took control of this land from the Native Americans to form the modern USA.  

b)Early Elizabethan England: 1558 -1588:An in-depth study of the diversity, danger difficulties Elizabeth I faced as the last Tudor monarch, focusing on religion, murderous plot and the constant threat of invasion. = 1 hour 45 mins 

Paper 3: Weimar and Nazi Germany 1918–1939 – Focus study of Germany’s problems after WW1 and the dictatorship Hitler & the Nazis created in the years before World War 2.  = 1 hour 20 min.  

 What will I do in lessons? 

Lessons will use a range of activities to research and analyse evidence from the past.  We use a variety of source materials to explore reasons why events happened and understand the consequences. With regular practice of exam technique, pupils will develop their ability to analyse different interpretations of events then present their own conclusion clearly 

Where can History take me? 

GCSE History develops many transferable skills which are highly valued by collegesuniversities and employers. Careers linked to the skills you will develop in GCSE History include Research, (marketing, business, journalism, law, politics,) Law, (Solicitor, Lawyer,) Publishing,  Education Media and the Heritage sector. History can take you anywhere!  

For more information, please email Mrs Malloney or Miss Carter.

Click here to view the exam board specification.