KS4 Options Booklet 2026-2028 - Flipbook - Page 26
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History: Academic Breadth
Subject
Subject group
Exam Board
Course
Description
Examination
Information
Grades available
Controlled
Assessment
Information
Careers
Information
GCSE History
Humanities, Academic Breadth
Edexcel
Paper 1: Thematic study and historic environment
Medicine in Britain, c1250–present and the British sector of the Western Front
1914–18: injuries, treatment and the trenches.
Students will study how understanding about the cause of disease, and the methods
of treatment and prevention of disease have changed throughout time. The course
will look at the effect the Black Death and the cholera epidemics had on society. The
course will also involve the study of a historical site (The Western Front) and how
trench warfare led to improvements in surgical treatment.
Paper 2: Period study and British depth study
Superpower relations and the Cold War, 1941–91
Students will study a period of immense recent significance in the development of
our modern world. It is a story of mistrust and nervous tension, spying and
treachery, tragedy and new hope, destruction and rebuilding. Students will cover a
variety of topics, such as NATO, the Berlin Wall, the Cuban Missile Crisis and the
Prague Spring.
Anglo-Saxon and Norman England c1060-88
Students will learn about why there was a crisis in England in 1066, how William I
conquered England and controlled the Anglo-Saxons. They will also learn how
traditional Anglo-Saxon life and culture were destroyed by the Normans.
Paper 3: Modern depth study
Weimar and Nazi Germany, 1918–39
Students will learn how Hitler and the Nazi Party came to power in 1933. They will
also learn what life was like in Nazi Germany, how Hitler used terror and
propaganda to control and influence the people of Germany. It will also focus on
how Hitler treated Jews living in Germany, and how some Germans resisted the
Nazis.
3 separate examinations
Paper 1 = 1 hour and 20 minutes (worth 30% of final grade)
Paper 2 = 1 hour and 50 minutes (worth 40% of final grade)
Paper 3 = 1 hour 30 minutes
(worth 30% of final grade)
No tiering Summer 2027
9-1
There is no Controlled Assessment task.
History is a facilitating subject; it opens doors for many different careers. GCSE
History is recognised by the Russell Group of universities. Some of the many careers
History leads to 3 architecture, journalism, law, politics, archaeology, teaching and
many more.
Further details
Link to the GCSE specification:
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/history-2016.h
tml
Staff Contact
Mr S Symonds-Keates, Head of History & Ancient History
sam.symonds-keates@rmays.com
