An introduction to GCSE History

About your GCSE

This booklet will give you an overview of what you will be studying in GCSE History and details of which exams you will be taking.

1

There are a number of differences between GCSE and Key Stage 3. The main difference is that somebody, somewhere in the country will mark your examination papers at the end of the course. Keep this in mind throughout your GCSE studies – focus and work hard.

As well as working hard in lessons, you will be regularly set homework. It is vital that you complete this homework as it underpins your success at GCSE History. Complete homework on time, every time.

GCSE History is an interesting, challenging subject and will help you develop skills and knowledge that you will use throughout your life – welcome, and good luck!

2

EDEXCEL GCSE HISTORY (9-1)Course at a glance

Paper 1: Thematic study and historical environment

30% of the total GCSE Written examination: 1 hour and 15 minutes52 marks

The question paper has two parts:

Section A: Historic environment. One question that assesses your knowledge plus a two-part question based on two provided sources.

Section B: Thematic study. Three questions that assess your knowledge and understanding.

Paper 2: Period study and British depth study

40% of the total GCSE Written examination: 1 hour and 45 minutes64 marks

The question paper has two parts:

Section A: Period study. Three questions that assess your knowledge and understanding.

Section B: British depth study. A three-part question that assesses your knowledge and understanding.

Paper 3: Modern depth study

30% of the total GCSE Written examination: 1 hour and 20 minutes52 marks

The question paper has two parts:

Section A: One question based on a provided source and a question that assesses your knowledge and understanding.

Section B: A four-part question, based on two provided sources and two provided interpretations.

Additional marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar are added.

3

What will you learn about?

Paper 1 – Medicine in Britain, c1250-present and the British sector of the Western Front, 1914-18: injuries, treatment and the trenches

Section A: Historic Environment

The British sector of the Western Front

Knowledge, selection and use of sources for historical enquiries

Section B: Thematic Study Medicine in medieval England The Medical Renaissance in

England Medicine in eighteenth and

nineteenth century Britain Medicine in modern Britain

Paper 2 – Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, c1060-88 and The American West, c1835-1895

Section A: Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, c1060-88

Anglo-Saxon England and the Norman Conquest, 1060-66

William I in power: securing the kingdom, 1066-87

Norman England, 1066-88

Section B: The American West, c1835-1895

The early settlement of the West, c1835-1862

Development of the plains, 1862-76

Conflict and conquest, c1876-95

Paper 3 – Weimar and Nazi Germany, 1918-39 The Weimar Republic, 1918-29 Hitler’s rise to power, 1919-33 Nazi control and dictatorship, 1933-39 Life in Nazi Germany, 1933-39

4