Bellemoor School | Southampton

As a department we offer two different courses of study.  This is to allow more scope for students wishing to undertake this subject

1. AQA Modern World History Syllabus B (This deals with the major World powers and Conflict in the Twentieth Century).
2. OCR S.H.P Syllabus A (Modern World) This is a study of an aspect from Romans to modern Day and an issue from the Nineteenth Century.

When students have chosen to study History It will be decided which is the best option for each student on an individual basis, according to personal interest and ability.

Course information follows this page.

HISTORY 1 

1.         Introduction

At GCSE the History Department offers a course that covers Modern History from 1914 up to the present day.  The course will allow students to investigate events and issues that have shaped the world that we live in, whilst developing their skills of analysis and communication.

2.         What is the syllabus?

The AQA Modern World syllabus that we study includes the following topics:

a)  Britain in First World War

b)  Germany, 1919 1939

c)  USA 1919 - 1941

d)  The USA and the USSR as World Super powers, 1945 - 1991

e)  Coursework on:

                          a) The Second World War

                          b) Vietnam

3.         What will the lessons consist of?

Lessons will consist of a combination of individual study and group work.  Students will learn to analyse a variety of types of historical evidence, including cartoons, speeches and films.  Students will be encouraged to develop their skills of discussion and debate, and to utilise ICT and the Internet to aid their study.  A number of resources will be used, catering for all levels of ability.

4.         What does the homework consist of?

History homework will extend and further develop the issues and concepts that we develop in class.  It may take the form of research, planning coursework assignments and various other activities.  Two homeworks will be set each week.

5.         How is the work assessed?

The GCSE is assessed through two coursework assignments and two examination papers.

Coursework:

Students submit two pieces of coursework, each assessing a particular historical skill.  Coursework accounts for 25% of the final grade.

Examination:

Two examination papers are taken at the end of the course, assessing the skills and the knowledge of the students.  These exam papers form 75% of the final GCSE grade.

6.         Are there different exam entry levels? 

No.  All pupils sit the same examination papers.

7.         When are decisions made about exam entry?

Entry is based on completion of the coursework assignments, which are largely completed in class.  Decisions concerning entry are taken in the spring term of the final year.

8.         What skills will be developed?

Studying History at GCSE will develop a number of skills that are of use in the modern world, including:

-    analysing and interpreting different arguments and points of view;

-    writing reasoned and well-developed arguments;

-    making decisions and writing conclusions based on the available evidence;

-    the ability to identify propaganda.

These skills have already been developed in Years 7, 8 and 9, and will further be extended throughout the GCSE course.

9.         What do people usually enjoy most about the course?

Most boys enjoy learning about the developments that have shaped the world in which they live.  The events that we study are lively, and tend to encourage argument and different points of view.  The way in which the course is delivered, using a variety of teaching methods and forms of media, means that there really is something for everyone.

10.       History and your son's future?

Studying history at GCSE is an excellent preparation for a wide variety of careers.  All employers value the skills of evaluation, interpretation and communication that GCSE history provides.  Employers increasingly require well-developed written and verbal skills, along with the ability to argue your point of view in a reasoned and intelligent manner.  A GCSE in history will, therefore, be seen as an asset by all employers, as well as developing an interest in the issues of the past that tends to stay with most history students for the whole of their lives.

HISTORY 2

1.      Introduction

At GCSE the History Department offer a further study course which allows further study of one area already covered in lower school and a new subject closely linked to Citizenship. The course allows to students to investigate not only events in the past, but their impact on the present day, whilst developing skills in evaluation, analysis and communication.

2.      What is the Syllabus?

The OCR Schools History Project (SHP) that we offer includes the following topics:

a)       The American West 1840-1895 (Depth Study)

b)       Crime and punishment Through Time (Study in Development)

c)       Coursework on:

a)       History Around Us (to investigate a local historical site and investigate an

          historical interpretation)

b)       Modern World Study

          ( to study a problem or issue from current world events and identify how

           historically the problem has arisen)

3.      What will the lessons consist of?

Lessons will consist of a variety of individual and group study. Students will learn to analyse different types of sources, including cartoons, newspapers, speeches and film. Students will be encouraged to present their views in many styles including using, ICT, written format and debate. A variety of resources will be used throughout the course.

4.      What does the homework consist of? 

The homework is designed to extend and develop leaning of concepts, events, issues and skills and may take many forms additionally it may be used to plan coursework assignments. This will be set on a regular basis.

5.      How is the final work assessed?

The GCSE is assessed through two pieces of Coursework and through two examination papers.

Coursework -  Two pieces are submitted and amount to 25% of the final grade

Examination - Is based on the two studies and through two examination papers amount to 75% of the final grade

6.      Are there different exam entry levels?

As in the Modern World course, all pupils sit the same examination papers?

7.      When are decisions made about entry?

Entry is based on completion of the coursework assignments, which are largely completed in class. Decisions concerning entry are taken in the Spring Term of the final year of course study.

8.         What skills will be developed?

Studying History at GCSE will develop a number of skills that are of use in the modern world, including:

-    analysing and interpreting different arguments and points of view;

-    writing reasoned and well-developed arguments;

-    making decisions and writing conclusions based on the available evidence;

-    the ability to identify propaganda.

These skills have already been developed in Years 7, 8 and 9, and will further be extended throughout the GCSE course.

9.         What do people usually enjoy most about the course?

Most boys enjoy learning about the developments that have shaped the world in which they live.  The events that we study are lively, and tend to encourage argument and different points of view.  The way in which the course is delivered, using a variety of teaching methods and forms of media, means that there really is something for everyone.

10.       History and your son's future?

Studying history at GCSE is an excellent preparation for a wide variety of careers.  All employers value the skills of evaluation, interpretation and communication that GCSE history provides.  Employers increasingly require well-developed written and verbal skills, along with the ability to argue your point of view in a reasoned and intelligent manner.  A GCSE in history will, therefore, be seen as an asset by all employers, as well as developing an interest in the issues of the past that tends to stay with most history students for the whole of their lives.