History Department Year 10 Information
GCSE History offers a great deal to anyone who wishes to cross the threshold of adult life well prepared to understand the complexities of the modern worlds and committed to exercising the rights and demands of citizenship. A subject which concerns itself with the critical evaluation of evidence, with the analysis of problems and the understanding and the communicating of ideas must have direct relevance to the lives of our pupils. There is no better preparation for life today than a course of historical study which trains young people to be alert and responsive to the social, economic and political problems of the world and to be aware and sympathetic to heritage and culture.
Course Content
WJEC. Syllabus B - Aspects of 20th Century History
Candidates will study the following units:
Studies in Depth
(a) Hitler's Germany 1919 -1945
(b) The U.S.A. 1910 - 1929
A Non British Outline Study
(c) The U.S.A. 1929 - 1990
Course work - this will constitute 25% of the final mark and is a compulsory element for all candidates.
Course work will take the form of two historical investigations based on the study of local/Welsh issues:
(a) Wales during the depression 1919 - 1939.
(b) The Llanelli Riots, 1911.
Assessment
The terminal assessment requires candidates to complete two written papers as well as the course work assignments.
Paper 1 - (2 hours) will test the Studies in Depth. (50%)
Paper II - (One and a half hours) will test the non British Outline (25%).
The aim of the course is to reward positive achievement. i.e. what pupils know, understand and can do.
History and Career Opportunities
There is a wise range of careers to which history can make a contribution. The following checklist is arranged in three sections:
1 VOCATIONAL - Careers which demand a history qualification.
Archaeology, archive work, law, history teaching, museum/gallery work, publishing.
2. DESIRABLE - where employers like to see a history qualification.
Architecture, broadcasting, civil service, local government, diplomatic service, journalism, librarianship.
3. EXPLOITABLE - Careers where employers show an interest in history though it is not necessarily demanded.
Administration, armed services, banking, civil service, insurance, management, police, probation and social services.
History - Entry Level
The Entry level is a course designed for pupils who do not find the GCSE course appropriate to their needs.
Aims of the Course
One of the main aims is to explain to pupils the background to the word im which they live. They are encouraged to develop powers of communication through discussion in class, to think for themselves and to try and solve problems.
Content
Four units will be studied:
(i) Hitler's Germany 1933 - 1945
(ii) U.S.A. 1945 - 1990
(iii) Super Power Rivalry 1945 - 1985
(iv) A Local History Unit.
Assessment
Students will be assessed throughout the course by completing written and oral tasks. There is no formal end of course examination Success in the course will not only show to employers that the pupil has acknowledge of 20th Century history, but as a result of the continuous assessment the pupil will demonstrate reliability, regular attendance and a conscientious attitude towards work.
