A revised GCSE course began in September 2009.  It provides a lively, interesting and relevant view of the contemporary world.

There are four parts to the course, spread over two years.  Students undertake two Studies in Depth which will be taught in Year 11:

Unit 1: Germany 1918-1941, and

Peace, War and Neutrality : Britain, Northern Ireland and Ireland, 1932 – 1949, or

Changing Relationships: Britain, Northern Ireland and Ireland      1965- 1985.

In Year 12 students will study:

Unit 2: An outline study of The Cold War 1945-1991, and

Unit 3: Investigative Study (Controlled Assessment): Opposition and Support for the Vietnam War.

Unit 1 is worth 50% of the marks, Units 2 and 3 are each worth 25%.

What sorts of things will I be doing in history classes?

• Enjoying history as a subject.
• Learning in different ways.
• Developing skills that are relevant to everyday life.
• Reading.
• Notemaking.
• Writing.
• Discussing and arguing: debating!
• Using Information Technology for research and study.
• Evaluating sources.

What will I learn by studying history?

I will learn about some of the key people and events which have helped shape our modern world.

I will learn to understand and appreciate different points of view.

I will learn how to handle and interpret a lot of information.

I will learn to work independently and not rely solely on my teacher. (Of course you will get plenty of help and encouragement!)

I will learn that many problems have a variety of solutions.

I will learn to communicate my ideas clearly and argue a case well.

I will learn how to analyse situations and write concise, relevant and well supported answers.