History is a popular option at Guthlaxton College, with six classes in the current Year 10. The department is lead by Ms K Rifugiato, other teachers include Mr D Lewin, Mr R Coles and Mrs S Goddard.
Accomodation
There are four class rooms currently used by the History Department Staff. The main rooms are A0.3 and A0.4 on the ground floor of A block. The rooms are well maintained with up to date wall displays.
In the Classroom
We use a wide range of teaching methods and resources:
- Whiteboards
- DVD’s
- Discussion
- Group Work
- Research
- Text books - The College library has recently been stocked with extra history books to help coursework.
Current Specification
GCSE
Exam Board AQA
| Conflict | Two world wars of the Twentieth Century |
| Modern Time | A view of the USA and Germany between wars |
| Coursework | Evacuation of civilians in World War II |
| The Battle of Dunkirk |
Exam
| Paper 1 | Conflict | 35% |
| Paper 2 | Modern Times | 40% |
| Paper 3 | Coursework | 25% |
From 2009 we will be studying Welsh Board GCSE.
This will involve an in depth study of Modern America and Modern Germany with British History Coursework-more details will appear in September 2009.
AS (1 Year) and A2 (Additional 2nd Year)
This is for the imaginative and conscientious students who enjoy a challenge and are interested in the past. By studying the minds and motives of people in the past, you will develop the ability to question and evaluate facts in order to present persuasive arguments. You do not need to have studied History to GCSE level to start the course but you should have gained 5 Grade A*-C grades and be able to write fluently.
New intake 2009
In A level history at Guthlaxton you will be expected to develop the ability to organise your own learning. Each topic area is supported with a reading list and you will be expected to complete work in advance of lessons in order to do seminar style work. This will be a bridge between GCSE and further education or the world of work.
History A level will cover many transferable skills and open the doors to a wide range of careers.
AS (Advanced Subsidiary) Specification
The AS history course involves two units of study:
Unit 1 is the Option D- EDEXCEL world divided course. In this unit you will study Civil Rights in the USA and the American involvement in the Cold War. This unit will be examined in a written exam of 1 hour 20 minutes and it will take the form of two essay style questions. It is worth 50% of the AS.
Unit 2 is British History Depth Study and this is based upon Britain after 1945. It will be examined in the form of an exam of 1 hour 20 minutes and the questions will be based upon sources. It is worth 50% of the AS.
Advanced Level (AS and A2) Specification
Unit 3 this is a Depth Study of Historical issues and historiography. It will involve a written exam of 2 hours. One part of this paper will be an analytical essay and the other part will involve using sources to discuss a historical debate. It is worth 60% of the A2 mark and 30% of the total grade. At present the department are awaiting a decision on the topic area.
Unit 4 this will be a study of a period of at least 100 years in order to develop an understanding of change over time. It will involve the production of two extended coursework style essays. This work will be assessed by your teachers and moderated by EDEXCEL. The course is in the process of being written but this study is likely to be the making of modern China.
Able and More Able Students
Able students are encouraged to do higher level work in lessons. Extension work is also sent home on a termly basis and we encourage parents to support the initiative.
Special Education Needs
History is an academic subject. However, we offer the Entry Level Certificate for those who find GCSE too difficult.
Trips and Visits
The History Department has an annual residential outing in Year 10 to the World War I Battlefields of France/Belgium to raise awareness and knowledge for GCSE studies. This is found to be very beneficial and interesting for students.
There is a visit to a conference about Stalin at Birmingham every spring for year 13 students.
We are currently updating the other trips that we offer in line with the current specifications.