History

Exam Board:

Pearson

What will I study on the course:

You will investigate significant events, people, and changes across different periods, developing skills in analysing sources and interpretations. Typical topics include:

  • One period study (e.g., Conflict and Tension: The First World War 1894–1918, or America 1920–1973: Opportunity and Inequality).
  • One wider world depth study (e.g., Germany 1890–1945: Democracy and Dictatorship, or Conflict and Tension in Asia 1950–1975).
  • One thematic study (e.g., Britain: Health and the People c1000 to the Present Day, or Britain: Power and the People c1170 to the Present Day).
  • One British depth study with historic environment (e.g., Norman England c1066–c1100, or Elizabethan England c1568–1603, including study of a specific historic site). The course uses a range of primary sources, historical interpretations, and case studies to explore causes, consequences, change, continuity, similarity, and difference over time.

How is the course assessed:

100% exam-based (linear, all exams at the end of the course; no coursework): Two papers:

  • Paper 1 (1 hour 45 minutes, 84 marks, 50%) – Covers the period study and wider world depth study (e.g., international conflict or a nation’s development).
  • Paper 2 (1 hour 45 minutes, 84 marks, 50%) – Covers the thematic study and British depth study with historic environment. Questions include source analysis, interpretation evaluation, short-answer explanations, and extended essay-style responses. No tiers (single papers for all abilities, graded 9-1); calculators not required.

Post-16 courses:

A Level History, A Level Politics, A Level Law, A Level Sociology, or related humanities subjects. Vocational options include Level 3 BTEC in Public Services or Law. Many students progress to sixth form colleges (e.g., Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College) or apprenticeships where analytical and writing skills are valued. A good GCSE grade (4+ or 5+) supports entry to A Levels and university degrees in history or allied subjects.

Careers:

Lawyer, solicitor, barrister, teacher, journalist, museum curator, archivist, heritage manager, civil service/fast stream, politics/political researcher, marketing, public relations, police officer, analyst (e.g., intelligence, business), or roles in media, broadcasting, and tourism. History develops highly transferable skills like research, critical analysis, argument construction, and communication, which are prized by employers across many sectors.

Specific advantages:

The course is engaging and story-driven, bringing the past to life through fascinating events and people while connecting to current issues. It builds strong analytical and essay-writing skills that benefit many other subjects. No prior detailed knowledge is needed, and it encourages debate and independent thinking. At Discovery Academy, History is part of the EBacc pathway, recognised by universities and employers as a rigorous, academic qualification that demonstrates intellectual depth.

How useful it is in the real world:

Extremely useful – understanding history helps you make sense of today’s world, from politics and international relations to social change and cultural identity. Employers and universities highly value the skills developed: evaluating evidence, constructing balanced arguments, spotting bias, and communicating clearly. These are essential in law, journalism, management, policy-making, and many professional roles. GCSE History fosters informed citizenship, critical thinking about news/media, and the ability to learn from the past – invaluable in an era of misinformation and rapid change. It opens doors to diverse, rewarding careers and supports lifelong learning about the world around us.

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