Exam Board: AQA

Exam: This course leads to GCSE (AQA). It follows the ideas behind the study of history rather than being just a record of dates and events and provides candidates with opportunities to study History in a variety of ways: in depth, across a broad span of time, through a local context, through a diversity of cultures. The understanding of some of the materials requires a reasonable level of literacy. There is a wide range of resources: filmstrips; tapes; videos; maps and diagrams. In addition, the course involves reading and the interpretation of written evidence. Thus, the course will be assessed by two examinations papers (75%) plus Coursework to the value of 25%.

Course Information

1. Study In Development. Medicine and Public Health through time
A study of medicine in time, looking at changes which have happened since prehistoric times and how these changes have taken place. The study concentrates on those factors, which have either enhanced or held back changes in medicine. Assessment is made by means of a final examination. There is no coursework element in this section. The exam paper consists of 3 sections, the first of which is a source-based study of a specified area, the second a general examination of medicine through time, the third section an in depth study of British Public Health.
Thematic Study – 37.5%

2. Study in Depth. The American West - 1840-90
A study of the life-style of the Plains Indians together with an investigation into the changes that took place as a result of the Westward movement of settlers. Amongst the topics covered are: Cowboys and Cattlemen; Law and Order; Early pioneers; and The Plains Indians. Assessment is by questions in the final examination.

The exam paper consists of 2 sections, the first of which is source based, the second section tests.
History in depth – 37.5%

3. Coursework Modern World Study. The Conflict in Ireland
This section of the course looks at a current situation in international affairs and attempts to develop an understanding of the historical background to the problems being experienced there, to make evident the link between present day issues and the past. Historical sources are used critically in context by comprehending, analysing, evaluating and interpreting each source in relation to its historical context.
Assessment is by means of coursework. 12.5%

4. Coursework History Around Us.
Prehistoric Britain This section of the course is a study of history around us using visible remains of the past, in its historical context, as a starting point. Stonehenge and related monuments will be studied to describe, analyse and explain the past as far as is possible.
This section of the course is assessed by coursework. 12.5%

Contact member of staff: Mrs C Gay