The Avon Valley School & Performing Arts College GCSE History
The Avon Valley School & Performing Arts College GCSE History
A C
The aim of this course is for students to acquire knowledge and understanding of key eras , exploring significant events , people , change and issues which have influenced human history . All topics are thematically linked and have been carefully selected to provide an unfolding narrative of historical periods which have shaped the world .
The exam will consist of 3 papers , with no controlled assessment . All units include the analysis of historical sources . Students must develop an understanding of how the past has been represented and interpreted . The communication of knowledge and understanding is assessed , as well as , how effectively conclusions are drawn and judgments reached , properly supported by appropriate evidence .
Paper 1 – 30 %: 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 The topic develops an understanding of the nature and process of change . Starting in c1250 with our ancestors ’ experience of disease and illness , it explores ideas such as supernatural and religious explanations of the cause of disease , and approaches to hospital care in the 13th century , with a detailed study of the Black Death . This topic continues its journey through time looking at the Western Front 1914-18 with an in-depth study of injuries , treatment and infection control in the trenches . It continues to modern day Britain with a look at advances in infection control and the use of technology in diagnosis and treatment .
Paper 2 – 40 %: Period Study and British Depth Study Early Elizabeth England , 1558-88 , and the Cold War This unit looks at society and government during Elizabeth ’ s reign . There is an in-depth study of the Virgin Queen and challenges to her claim to the throne . The issues she faced both at home and abroad and the significance of the great voyages of discovery during her reign are a major focus .
The second part of this unit is an insight into US Soviet relations after World War II . This study explores events such as the Berlin Wall , the Cuban Missile Crisis , the Korean War and the collapse of Communism in Eastern Europe . There is a focus on understanding how relations between the USA and the Soviet Union affected the rest of the world .
Paper 3 – 30 %: Modern Depth Study Weimar and Nazi Germany , 1918-39 ; Hitler ’ s rise to power , 1919-33 ; Nazi control and dictatorship , 1933-39 ; Life in Nazi Germany , 1933-39 The origins of the Weimar Republic through to the challenges it faced , such as hyperinflation and the rise of extreme political parties . There is a focus on post-WW1 recovery , changes in the standard of living , women ’ s position , and political challenges to the Republic . A key part of this topic is the rise of Hitler , the creation of dictatorship , and consolidation of Nazi control in Germany 1933- 34 . The topic completes with a look at the impact of the Nazi regime on all aspects of life for the people of Germany during this time .
Contact Staff : Mr Hartland
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