You will investigate significant events, people, and changes across different periods, developing skills in analysing sources and interpretations.
The course uses a range of primary sources, historical interpretations, and case studies to explore causes, consequences, change, continuity, similarity, and difference over time.

Typical topics include:

• One period study: Spain and the “New World” c1490 – 1555 (Excel) or Superpower relations and Cold War 1941-1991 (Discovery).
• One modern depth study: Weimar and Nazi Germany 1933-1939.
• One thematic study: Medicine in Britain c1250-present (Excel) or Crime and punishment through time c1000-present (Discovery).
• One British depth study with historic environment: Elizabethan England c1568–1603 (Both academies) The British sector of the Western Front, 1914–18: injuries, treatment and the trenches (Excel) or Whitechapel, c1870–c1900: crime, policing and the inner city (Discovery).

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

• Paper 1 (1hr 15mins, 52 marks) Thematic study and historic environment and your chosen depth study.
• Paper 2 (1hr 45mins, 64 marks) Period Study and British Depth Study.
• Paper 3 (1hr 20mins, 52 marks) Modern Depth Study.

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.

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.

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.

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.