GCSE
GCSE
The study of history gives our pupils the opportunity to acquire a knowledge and understanding of the human past, locally, nationally, and internationally.
The Northern Ireland syllabus builds upon knowledge, skills, and abilities which the pupils have already acquired in the previous three years of study. The syllabus has been designed to continue the pupils’ knowledge of their own locality as well as view the progress of our world throughout the twentieth century.
The overall aim of the History GCSE syllabus is to help promote in students understanding of the contemporary world in which they live and to enable them to play a significant role in it.
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Content
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Assessment |
Weighting |
Availability |
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Unit 1: Studies in Depth
Option 1: Germany 1918–1941
AND
Option 4: Peace, War and Neutrality: Britain, Northern Ireland and Ireland 1932–1949
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Externally assessed written exam 2 hours There are two sections. Section A assesses Options 1, 2, and 3. Section B assesses Options 4 and 5. At Foundation Tier, the paper includes short answer and structured questions. Candidates must answer four questions. At Higher Tier, the paper includes short answer questions and questions requiring extended writing. Candidates must answer four questions. Please note that students may sit Unit 1 in the first year of teaching. |
50% |
Every Summer (beginning in 2010) |
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Unit 2: Outline Study The Cold War 1945–1991 |
Externally assessed written exam 1 hour 15 minutes At Foundation Tier, the paper includes structured questions. Candidates must answer two questions. One question requires the use of source material. In the Higher Tier paper candidates must answer two questions. One question requires extended writing and one question requires the use of source material. Please note that students may only sit Unit 2 as part of terminal assessment. |
25% |
Summer Terminal |
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Unit 3: Investigative Study |
Controlled assessment Gives students opportunities to conduct further research This will focus on an issue not covered by the external assessment papers and one that is an extension of the specification content. Internally assessed and externally moderated There is one assignment common to both Foundation and Higher Tiers. Please note that students may only sit Unit 3 as part of terminal assessment. |
25% |
Summer Terminal |
Description of the Examination
The examination at GCSE will be made up of two papers and one piece of coursework.
Paper 1 Study in Depth (2 hours- 50%)
Section A: Germany c.1919 – c.1941
Section B: Peace, War and Neutrality: Britain, Northern Ireland and Ireland and the Second World War c. 1932 – c. 1949.
Pupils must answer four questions including short answer questions and questions requiring extended writing. This paper can be taken every summer beginning in 2010.
Paper 2 An Outline Study (1¼ hours-25%) The Cold War 1945 – 1991
Pupils will answer 2 questions in this paper. (One question will require the use of source material/one question which requires extended writing.)
Investigative Study- Controlled Assessment (25%)
Pupils will be required to submit one piece of coursework which extend their understanding of the syllabus content, but is not covered by the external assessment papers.
There are two tiers of entry available giving access to different grades as follows:-
HIGHER TIER Grades A* – D (E)
FOUNDATION TIER Grades C – G
Career Implications/Possibilities for Further and Higher Education
Students of History are well represented in a variety of professions and careers such as the law, journalism and the media, teaching, social administration, politics and industry.
