Courses
We offer a broad and balanced curriculum, for key stage 3 (Years 7-9), key stage 4 (Years 10 and 11) and key stage 5 (Years 12 and 13 - Sixth Form). Click the appropriate button below to find the details for each subject offered in each key stage.
Further details of our curriculum are available on the curriculum page.
Overview
History
Introduction
At Silverdale we follow the AQA syllabus. Our chosen modules are:
- America 1840-95
- Conflict and tension 1918-39
- Britain: health and the people 1100 - present day
- Elizabethan England.
Students sit two exams at the end of Year 11 which assess their recall of facts along with their skills in source analysis and evaluation of evidence.
Qualification
GCSE
Awarding body
AQA
Course leader
Ms K Evans
Assessment
- Examination: 100%
- Paper 1: Understanding the modern world | 2 hours | 50%
- Paper 2: Shaping the nation | 2 hours | 50%
- Non-examined assessment: 0%
Curriculum
Course content
If you enjoyed history in Years 7 to 9, GCSE history will allow you to study new topics, using a different approach.
Topics
In GCSE history you will study:
- America 1840 – 1895 expansion and consolidation.
- Conflict and tension 1918 – 1939.
- Britain: health and the people.
- Elizabethan England 1568 – 1603.
Skills and requirements
Skills required
You will need to be able to:
- Read and identify details, opinions and problems from written information, graphs and pictorial sources.
- Explain your ideas clearly on paper.
- Feel comfortable using historical sources.
- Organise your work and take responsibility for it.
- Work co-operatively with others.
Beyond the classroom
Future pathways
A GCSE in history is useful for a range of opportunities at post-16. A good grade will allow you to take any A-level courses including history, politics, English and social science courses. It is also useful for students considering a career in medical sciences, journalism, law, the police, and any career path that requires research skills and an ability to compile evidence in a persuasive way.
The skills you have gained will also be valued by vocational courses and by employers. Many students who wish to go in to law use history to show that they are able to interpret evidence and present a substantiated conclusion from it.
