History

The course covers a range of British and International modern History

Unit 1

Studies in Depth – Wales and the wider perspective – 25%

Depression, War and Recovery, 1930-1951 – Written Examination 1 Hour

This option focuses in depth on selected themes and issues relating to the history of depression, war and recovery during the period 1930-1951. Learners will be required to consider:

The main features of life in the Depression, of war on the Home Front and of post-war Britain.
Learners should understand how the experience of people within Wales at this time was distinctive but also that this can reflect the wider relationship with Britain.
Learners should develop an awareness of how aspects of life in this period have been represented and interpreted and they should also address the key questions in each topic area using a range of historical sources.

Unit 2

Studies in Depth – History with a European/world focus – 25%

Germany in transition, 1919 – 1939 – Written Examination 1 Hour

This option focuses in depth on selected themes and issues relating to the history of Germany from 1919 and 1939. Candidates will be required to consider:

The impact of the First World War on Germany, the recovery of the Weimar Republic, the factors which led to the rise of the Nazis and the impact of the Nazi regime upon the lives of the German people.
Candidates should develop an awareness of how aspects of life in Germany in this period have been represented and interpreted and they should also address the key questions in each topic area using a range of historical sources.

Unit 3

Studies in Depth – Thematic studies from a broad historical perspective – 30%

Changes to Crime and Punishment , c.1500 to the present day – Written Examination 1 Hour 15 Minutes

This option focuses thematically on the main trends in the history of crime and punishment in Britain from c.1500 to the present day. Foreign content is included only where it is fundamental in its influence. Learners will be required to consider:

The causes and types of crime, law enforcement, combating and punishment of crime and changing attitudes towards crime and punishment over time.
Learners will also be required to examine the major political, social, economic and cultural perspectives which have contributed to the development of both crime and punishment from c.1500 to the present day.
In this option, centres should ensure that they focus, where appropriate, on the issues of change, continuity, significance and turning points.
In this option, the impact of changes in crime and punishment on Wales should be highlighted within the wider context.
As part of this option learners will investigate an historic site connected with this theme.

Unit 4

Working as an historian – 20%

Non-examination assessment (NEA) is a compulsory part of GCSE History

The non-examination assessment will involve the completion of two separate tasks, one with a focus on source evaluation within the creation of an historical narrative and one with a focus on the formation of different historical interpretations of history.

Enrichment Opportunities

Berlin and Krakow Trip
Duke of Edinburgh
Year 8 History Castle Building Competition

Homework

Homework can take a variety of forms including written tasks, revision exercises, online tasks and preparation for coursework or practical examinations. The aim of homework is to supplement the learning that takes place in the classroom and instil independent learning, a crucial lifelong skill. Staff aim to give ample time to complete homework tasks so learners should plan their own time carefully in order to meet deadlines. The frequency of homework can vary depending on the number of lessons offered over a fortnight.

The majority of subject areas make use of Google Classroom to communicate any homework requirements to the learners. I would encourage learners and parents/carers to check Google Classrooms regularly.

Parents/Carers should endeavour to provide a quiet space for their children to complete homework tasks. Where this is not possible, the school does provide such places for learners to access in their lunchtime or afterschool hours. Please encourage learners to discuss this with their tutors or progress leaders in the first instance.

Feedback

Feedback will be verbally given throughout lessons according to set tasks. Students will be expected to act positively on the feedback given and to improve or refine their work.

There will be feedback lessons following some assessments to allow students to improve their work in DIRT based on the guidance given.

Assessment

Assessment is an important aspect of a learner’s learning journey. Apart from indicating the current performance of an individual, assessments also inform learners and staff which areas they need to develop. At Ysgol y Grango, staff continuously assess a learner’s progress through a variety of methods. This could include informal assessment, such as quizzes or observations, or formal assessments, such as written tests or coursework.

Ysgol y Grango use an online system called Go4Schools to track and monitor individual learners. Learners and parents/carers can also access information such as reports and subject progress through their own Go4schools login.

Throughout Key stage 4, learners will sit various external assessments. The timing of these assessments varies depending on the subject. Some of these assessment timings are controlled by the school but many are put in place by the examination board. As such it is important that learners are present for these assessments as missing elements of a course can significantly affect the overall grade for a learner.

There will be 3 formal assessments per year. These will include peer-marked knowledge questions, multiple choice and extended written responses during each topic.