GCSE History

Unit Information

Paper 1 - Thematic study and historical environment Medicine in Britain, c1250-present

Paper 2 - Period study and British depth study

Paper 3 - Modern depth study

Why study

Edexcel GCSE History at Castle view Enterprise Academy is an exciting and academic discipline that nurtures curiosity, hones our thinking and promotes the development of valuable skills. In GCSE History we provide the environment to communicate and wrestle with historical controversy.

GCSE History at Castle view Enterprise Academy provides opportunities for students to engage in a breadth of topics, time-periods and activities, nurturing reflective and independent learning. History's intent is to develop understanding of the second order concepts in History, giving students an opportunity to learn, develop and apply their historical thinking.

The study of history equips students to give them success at GCSE, prepare them for the world of work, for further study at A-Level and beyond. Students will develop essential skills through studying history from a variety of perspectives, including political, social, economic and cultural, thereby helping candidates to appreciate the diversity of the societies studied, and the experiences of the people in these societies.

There are a number of key concepts that underpin the study of History. Students will build on the key skills introduced in KS3 (analysis, interpretations, evaluating, source work and communication). Students will also understand key concepts in History that allow us to find out about the past and more importantly, make sense of the past e.g. change & continuity, similarities, differences, significance, cause and consequence?

History equips students to:

  • Ask perceptive questions
  • Think critically
  • Weigh evidence
  • To debate
  • Sift arguments
  • Develop perspective and judgement whilst respecting different viewpoints

History teaches students the skills of:

  • Explanation to show understanding
  • Analysis of knowledge to reach a judgement
  • Source analysis to establish inference and utility
  • Use of interpretations to reach a judgement

History helps students to understand the:

  • Complexity of people's lives
  • The process of change
  • The diversity of societies
  • Relationships between different groups
  • Their own identity and the challenges of their time

Careers options

Teaching, Broadcasting, Publishing, Media, Solicitor, Journalist, Civil Servant, Detective, Archivist, Author, Researcher, Archaeologist, Museum Curator, Politician.

Key contact

Mrs C Russell