HISTORY GCSE
Examination Board: OCR
Who can I ask about this course?
Mrs P Littlewood – Subject Leader
and anyone who has taken History GCSE.  We feel that our best advertisement is the pupils who have taken the course and achieved a grade.

What will I learn?
History helps us to understand the world in which we live and take an active part in it.  Studying the subject will equip you with a unique package of knowledge, concepts and skills.

‘Why’ is the most important question you can ask or answer.  You will understand why things happen in the way that they do, in the past, present and future.

History develops a number of vital skills:

• The ability to analyse events and situations
• The ability to understand people – their motives and opinions.
• The ability to solve problems
• The ability to think critically about sources.
• The ability to use a variety of sources as evidence and
• The ability to write coherent, well-organised explanations

What skills do I need?
The History Department has a proven track record of helping a variety of individuals develop the skills they need, not only in the subject, but in school as a whole and in life in the outside world.  All we ask is that you have an opinion and some curiosity.  If you are the sort of person who argues and asks why, you may not always be popular elsewhere but we will love you!

What is next for me after this course?
Anything you want!  The variety of knowledge, understanding and skills outlined above will help you cope better with any advanced level course you choose, or any training or employment you move into.  If you want to work in a field using any of the knowledge, ideas or skills mentioned above, History will be invaluable.  Examples include:  Accounting, administration, architecture, archives, banking, broadcasting, civil service, conservator, the church, journalism, law, librarianship, management, police, politics and teaching – the list is endless!

We also run successful A/S and A” course in History and have an excellent record of helping students gain entrance to the best universities.

You will study:

Medicine Through Time
Thousands of years ago our ancestors drilled holes in a person’s head to let out evil spirits.  Today we can look inside the body without making a cut.  You will investigate how and when these changes came about.




The American West
During a short period of time, just over 55 years, the American West was settled by many different groups of people.  You will study people’s feelings and motives and find out what impact the settlement hand on the lives of the Plains Indians




Northern Ireland
Many people living in Britain today were affected and still are affected by ‘the Troubles’ in Northern Ireland.  You will investigate why these ‘troubles’ began and what has been done to try to solve the problems.




Conisbrough Castle
It is important to know something about the past of your local area.  You will visit the castle and do research to find out if it is like other Norman castles built in Britain

For further information please see Mrs Littlewood, Subject Leader for History.

The History Department: Mrs Littlewood, Mrs Cook, Ms Dutton, Mr Mcdonald