History
At REACH school we believe in the importance of not just learning history but learning from history. The study of History equips pupils with the ability to critically analyse source material, assess the merits of different arguments, hone their listening and debating skills and recognise bias and propaganda. The skills they will learn from studying History will help them to critically evaluate the information they access and to be able to form a well-reasoned and considered opinion.
Through addressing overarching questions which reflect on what it is to be British and British values, students are promoted to have high self-efficacy and a reflective attitude.
Birmingham is a multicultural city and REACH school is a microcosm of this. Understanding past events and people and their significance gives students a better insight into the world around them, and to have a greater understanding of themselves and their place in their city and communities.
GCSE History
Why choose GCSE History at REACH?
History is continuously changing the world around us and historic events have helped to shape our society. Studying GCSE History will help you to answer important questions such as:
- Why do wars happen?
- Why do we have a welfare system?
- How have we come to live in a multi-cultural society?
Learning about past events and the people who’ve influenced history will allow you to understand how the world got to the point it’s at now and how it will continue to develop in the future. You will learn about the history of Britain and the wider world.
You’ll also learn valuable skills
Apart from studying a wide range of exciting historic periods, you’ll learn a range of employability skills that will help you with Post-16 courses and the world of work.
These include:
- excellent communication, literacy and writing skills
- how to construct an argument
- research and problem skills
- investigation and problem-solving skills
- analytical and interpretation skills
Assessment
In 2023 there will be two GCSE exams.
Paper 1 and 2 are each worth 50% and last for 2 hours each.
These exams consist of short answer questions and longer, essay type questions.
Don’t just learn history, learn from history.
Revision Links
Revision Paper 1
Section A:
Period studies: AB Germany, 1890–1945: Democracy and dictatorship
Section B:
Wider world depth studies: BA Conflict and tension: The First World War, 1894–1918
Revision Paper 2: Shaping the nation
Section A:
Thematic studies
AA Britain: Health and the people: c1000 to the present day
Section B:
British depth studies including the historic environment: BC Elizabethan England, c1568–1603
Possible Careers
Studying history can lead on to some exciting career options, including:
- Journalism
- Law
- Business
- Politics
- Archaeology
- Marketing
- Teaching