Key Stage 4
History is offered as an optional subject at Key Stage 4, with students studying the WJEC GCSE.
Students will develop their historical skills and understanding by completing a variety of tasks in and out of the classroom. These will include: independent research of a given topic; preparation of written essays; debates and discussions; group presentations; and source analysis skill development.
Two main areas of History are studied:
– The rise of Hitler in Germany (Year 10)
– The USA in the last century (Year 11)
Assessment for the course is split into four units, each worth 25% of the overall grade awarded.
Unit 1: Written examination lasting 1 hour 15 minutes, covering “Germany in Transition: 1919 – 1947”. This is sat at the end of Year 10.
Unit 2: Written examination lasting 1 hour 15 minutes, covering “The USA – A Nation of Contrasts 1910 – 1929”.
Unit 3: Written examination lasting 1 hour 15 minutes, covering “The Development of the USA 1929 – 2000”.
Unit 4: A controlled assessment investigating an issue of historical debate or controversy. The topic area is set by the exam board.