GCSE
History at GCSE revolves around the Twentieth Century and the individuals and events that shaped that troubled century. The rise of Hitler in Germany and dictatorships in Italy and Spain, the road to war and the breakdown of relations between the United States and the Soviet Union all feature highly in the syllabus. Over two years you will pick up the key skills of an historian and learn about events that shape our lives today. A GCSE historian will develop an appreciation and understanding of history as a discipline, including the nature and diversity of its sources, methods and interpretations.
If you have enjoyed studying the First World War, the Holocaust and other events in the Third Form, then you will find that the topics in the Fourth and Fifth Forms are just as interesting and build on your existing knowledge. The OCR Modern World History GCSE course covers the years between the two World Wars and the Cold War period after 1945. It looks at some of the most interesting and world shattering events of the Twentieth Century, all of which reveal something about the world which we live in today. You will study many features of the past which still exist today: negative elements such as wars, dictatorships, terrorism and genocide, as well as positive elements such as peace treaties, international co-operation and scientific achievements. The GCSE course engenders a lasting interest in history for many of our students.
The GCSE course will allow you to develop your knowledge of Twentieth Century events and to consider in more detail the effects of the two World Wars on International Relations. The course will build on your existing knowledge of history, as well as help to develop your skills of writing, discussion and debate. You will learn how to evaluate and analyse source material and apply your own knowledge to decide between truth and propaganda. The course will help you to understand more clearly the world in which you live.
The History GCSE Course
Core Content: International Relations 1919-1989
Depth Study: Germany 1918-1945: Democracy to Dictatorship
Depth Study: Britain 1906-1918
Coursework: Soviet Russia 1917-53
GCSE Results 2005-06
History at GCSE level is an extremely popular option at Fettes, with over 70% of students regularly choosing to carry on with the subject after Third Form. 81% of students attained an A* or an A grade in last summer‘s GCSE paper. The Department is staffed by Mr Armstrong, Mr Fern, Mr Du Vivier and Mr McDowell, and lessons are both interesting and lively. You will be encouraged to contribute to class debates and discussion, whilst also picking up the key skills of an historian necessary for success at GCSE and beyond.
Coursework accounts for 25% of the total mark and is usually completed in the Autumn Term of the Fifth Form. Outside the classroom students are encouraged to attend the Historical Society as well as contribute to the Department magazine entitled Making History. In October 2005 the Fourth and Fifth Forms had the opportunity to visit Berlin and see for themselves places of historical significance and interest. Further trips to the Battlefields of the First World War and Eastern Europe are being planned.
Mr A J Armstrong
