History

We want to enable students to empathise with a wide range of human experiences to build a common sense of the world they occupy. We want students to understand and appreciate the complexity of history and value the diversity of a wide range of human experiences from around the world. We want students to understand the human journey (political, social, economic), so that students feel enabled to become agents of change in their own lives.

History LTP 2025-26

History at Key Stage 4

History is part of the extended core curriculum at Key Stage 4. Students must study History, Geography or a language. 

Aims of the Course 

This is a course which gives the opportunity to study History in various different periods, from many perspectives. It’s not just about remembering lots of facts and dates, although that does come into it. Students develop skills in gathering information, making sense of that information and then presenting their own arguments with the use of contextual knowledge.  
  
This course will develop analytical skills and help students to become highly effective at written communication. Students will be able to evaluate evidence and different interpretations of the past. At the end of the course students will have a better understanding of the world they live in and how we can utilise evidence to support a case. 

Course Content 

Year 10

  • The People’s Health (1250 - present) looks at: the impact of living conditions on people’s health, the response to epidemics and attempts to improve public health 
  • The Making of America (c1789-1900) traces the development of the USA from the inauguration of the first president to the end of the 19th century when the USA was set to become the world’s dominant power 
  • The study of a site in its historical context focuses on the site of Quarry Bank Mill and how it has changed from foundation in 1784 to National Trust site in the present. 

Year 11

  • Living under Nazi Rule, 1933–1945 examines the transition from democracy to dictatorship, the impact of the Nazi dictatorship on people’s lives (both within Germany and across occupied Europe), and the threats and opposition Hitler faced.
  • The Elizabethans, 1580–1603 explores the political, religious, economic, social and cultural forces of late Elizabethan society. 
Assessment
  • Paper 1: The People’s Health and the Elizabethans 1580—1603. 1hr 45 min, 40% 
  • Paper 2: Historical Investigation. 1hr,  20% 
  • Paper 3: The Making of America c1789-1900 and Living under Nazi Rule, 1933-45. 1hr 45 min, 40% 
Beyond GCSE

The GCSE course provides a good basis for A level study, not just in History, but in any subject that requires a high standard of literacy and analytical ability. A level History is one of the facilitating subjects that are highly regarded by top universities and the SHP course of study prepares students very well for the academic demands of History A level. 
  
Historians find jobs in a wide range of careers including law, economics, heritage work and any job that requires the ability to think analytically. 

Further Information

The awarding body for GCSE Hisotry is OCR.  Further details about this qualification can be found on the OCR website here: History B (Schools History Project) - J411.