History

10 Reasons why GCSE History is the right choice for you!!

1) Outstanding Results!

The Cromwell History Department achieves outstanding results at GCSE. Last year, 69.5% of our students achieved grades A* to C (which was bettered by only one other department in the whole school!). Furthermore, Yellis data has shown that Cromwell students achieve far better in history than similar students in other schools

2) Important Skills!

During your history GCSE course you will develop many useful skills that you will need long after you've left school. In History we work on writing skills and communicating effectively to make arguments. History also develops skills in numeracy, ICT, research techniques, and also critical and logical thinking. All these skills are highly prized by employers and industry.

3) Employers Value History!

Because of the skills we help develop, History GCSE has always been much sought after by employers, universities and sixth form colleges. Any careers adviser will tell you that it is a good idea to take History GCSE if you are planning a career that requires you to think critically, write persuasively and effectively, and have problem-solving skills. The law, media, local government, and business and finance all recognise the skills History develops in students.

4) An Exciting Subject!

At Cromwell, we have a great deal of experience in teaching one of the most exciting, innovative history GCSE syllabuses available. It involves the study of crime and punishment from Roman times to the present day and an in-depth study of life in Hitler's Germany. There are coursework units on Elizabethan England and the steps to World War Two, which count as 25% of the GCSE.

5) Stimulating field-trips!

At GCSE, we continue our tradition of curriculum-related visits. We offer two full field trips. In year 10, you will have the opportunity to visit the gruesome and eerie Galleries of Justice in Nottingham as part of our study of Crime and Punishment through time. In Year 11, you will have the opportunity to see a production of 'Hitler on Trial' as part of our work on the Nazi regime.

6) Long Answers? Nonsense!

It is untrue that history GCSE is all about writing essays. Most history GCSE questions only require relatively short answers. (ask Miss Galilee or Mr Horley to show you examples of past papers).

7) Walk into the Exam and Aim for A*!

Unlike most GCSE subjects, there are no 'tiered papers' in history. This means that in this year's exam everyone will walk to their seats to start writing with the possibility and potential of obtaining an A*. In most subjects, it is virtually impossible to obtain a higher grade unless you are entered for 'top tier'. In History, if you do well, you'll get the grade you deserve!

8) Different Styles of Teaching!

At GCSE you will experience a wide range of teaching and learning methods. These will include role-play, debating, e-mail conferencing, website design, databases and 'living graphs'. History GCSE certainly isn't death by note taking. Many of our students comment on the range of teaching methods we use to fire the imagination so that students achieve their potential.

9) Already Equipped for Success!

The History Department has always kept a close eye on progression. This means that we have been equipping you with the skills necessary to succeed in history GCSE since the beginning of Year 7. History is one of the few subjects where things don't suddenly 'get tough' in September.

10) It's Interesting and Fun!

Last but by no means least, GCSE history is great fun. We challenge you to find any Year 10 or 11 historians who haven't enjoyed it. In fact, the majority of year 11s currently taking history like it so much that they have opted to take it at A level. And above all, history is about people and understanding what makes them tick and why things happened in the way they did. Many students comment on how interesting the subject is.

So what do we study at GCSE?

As is the case with Key Stage 3, we structure the course around stimulating overarching 'Key Questions' to provide an effective assessment focus while also serving to stimulate interest. These are as follows:

Year 10

Elizabethan England (coursework)

• Was Elizabeth likely to be a successful ruler?
• How did Elizabeth gain the support of her people?
• How well did Elizabeth's people live?
• How well did Elizabeth deal with the country's religious problems?

Crime and punishment from Roman times to the present day

• What do you think about crime and punishment?
• How has crime and punishment changed over time?
• The rational Romans: why didn't they conquer crime?
• Did the Norman Conquest make the laws harsher?
• How typical are the stories of Roger Ryet and Robin Hood?
• Why did punishments become so bloody between 1500 and 1750?
• Transportation: success or failure?
• Why was there a revolution in punishment and policing 1750-1900?
• Why have there been so many arguments about punishments and policing since 1900?

Year 11

The Rise of the Nazi Party in Germany

• Why was the Weimar republic so unstable?
• Why did Hitler rise to power?
• What was life like in Hitler's Germany?
• Who were the master race?
• What was it like for young people in Nazi Germany?
• Who opposed Hitler?

The causes of the Second World War (coursework)

• What were the causes of World War II?

How are you assessed?

There are two exams which students take towards the end of Year 11, focused on crime and punishment through time and Nazi Germany. These exams are focused on both short essays and source-handling and account for 75% of the total GCSE. The other 25% is assessed through coursework on the reign of Elizabeth I (IN Year 10) and the causes of World War II (in Year 11).