History is so much more than the study of dates, facts and a lot of dead people! G.C.S.E History at Coombe is all 20th Century and helps to explain why the world is the way it is today. We can only understand where we are today and where we are going tomorrow by knowing where we have come from! Another very important reason for studying History is to develop your mind and to show how you think in a logical and constructive way. We want you to be able to read a document, letter, newspaper or listen to someone and be able to draw your own conclusions. You will be able to read between the lines and to have confidence in your own opinions backed by sound evidence. The skills in History are essential in the complex world beyond school.   

What Will I Study?

1) Peace and War 1900-39: Knowledge & Understanding 25% 

Why was the first half of the 20th Century scared by the two worst wars of all time? Why was the First World War a major cause of World War II? Why did these dreadful wars take place and why did efforts after the First World War fail so spectacularly to stop another war?

2) Germany 1919-39: Knowledge & Understanding 25%
What were the effects of defeat in World War I on Germany in 1919? How did the German react to democracy and the crises that beset them? How did these crises and defeat lead to the rise to power of Hitler and the Nazis? What were the effects of Nazism on the German people and why were they so brutal? How did Hitler get away with killing 6 million people and why?

3) War and the Transformation of British Society 1931-51: Source Analysis 25%
What was life like in Britain during the 1930s? How did people react to yet another war and what were the effects of the war on the British people? What consequences of World War II for the British people? What is the Welfare State and why was it created?   
4) Crime, Policing and Punishment in England, c1880- c1990: Coursework 25%
Did crime become more violent in the Victorian period?  Why did the death penalty end?  Jack the Ripper and the Yorkshire Ripper: How have police investigation methods changed?  Is ‘new’ crime really ‘old’ crime?

How Will I Be Assessed?

• There are three examinations each worth 25%.
• The examinations are modular and will be sat as the course progresses rather than at the end of Year 11. Therefore, there is an opportunity for resits if necessary.
• There is one piece of coursework worth 25%, this can be prepared for in advance but will be completed under controlled conditions.
• All pupils will sit the same examination papers (no tiers) and therefore all grades from A*- G will be available to all.

What Kind of Work Will I Do?

The History Department uses a wide variety of teaching methods which include:- group work, pair work, individual work, presentations, display work, role plays, card sorts, investigations, research, timed work and much more.

Will I Go On Any Trips?

• Jack the Ripper walking tour.
• The Army Museum in Chelsea.

Beyond G.C.S.E

• G.C.S.E History can naturally lead to AS/A2 History and also works very well with subjects such as Politics, Sociology, English, Media Studies, Drama, Business Studies, Economics, Geography and Psychology amongst others.
• History can also lead to similar courses at university and is also the best and recommended A level subject for a Law Degree 
• Most universities have history on their list of preferred academic subjects as opposed to those which are considered “soft” subjects.

Career Possibilities

Law, Journalism, Media, Management, Politics, Diplomatic Service, Civil Service, Museum Curator, Researcher, Teaching, Police and many, many more!