GCSE History and Politics.

Exam Board: OCR GCSE in History B (Modern World History).

A key aspect of this course is the study of important historical features and characteristics such as the origins of social welfare, democracy, dictatorship and totalitarianism. This is achieved through two depth studies (Britain 1906-18 and China 1945-76). Topics vary from how women and the working class got the vote to how Chairman Mao’s ‘Cultural Revolution’ transformed Chinese society. Understanding the impact of world war is a key aspect of both depth studies.

Another key aspect is the study of international relations. We consider how the alliance between the USA and the USSR broke down at the end of WW2 and how the Cold War emerged, bringing with it the continued threat of nuclear world war and ‘proxy’ wars such as in Vietnam. Furthermore, we consider the historical origins of the Arab-Israeli conflict, with particular focus on the creation of the state of Israel, Palestinian refugees and territories, the division of Jerusalem and the wars fought in the period 1948-73.

Assessment of work

Paper 1 (45%)

Core content: International Relations 1945-89: Who was to blame for the Cold War? How effectively did the USA contain the spread of Communism? How secure was the USSR’s control over Eastern Europe, 1948-89?

Depth Study: China 1945-76: Why did China become a Communist state? How far did Communism change China and its relations with other countries? Did Communism produce a cruel dictatorship in China?

This paper consists of both source response questions and short essay-style questions.

Paper 2 (30%)

British Depth Study: How was British society changed, 1906-1918? Why did the Liberal government introduce reforms to help the young, old and unemployed? What were the arguments for and against female suffrage? How did women contribute to the war effort? How effective was government propaganda during the war?

This is a source-based paper that requires students to analyse and evaluate a series of sources using their own knowledge of the period.

Coursework (25%)

Depth Study G: Israel and the Arab-Israeli conflict 1945-1994. How was the Jewish State of Israel established? How was Israel able to survive despite the hostility of its Arab neighbours? What has been the impact on the Palestinians of the existence of Israel? What has been the effect of the Arab-Israeli conflict on life in Israel?

This consists of two pieces of writing drawn from the content above.

GCSE History is a varied course providing the chance to understand both British and world history. It is an opportunity to study a turbulent and significant century. The work will involve discussion, documentaries and visits. Students will develop the skills to write analytical and argumentative essays and explore fundamental questions about the use of evidence in history.

Further study

AS-level: British imperial and foreign policy 1945-90 and the German Reformation 1517-55. A2-level: Russian and Soviet leaders 1855-1964 and the Vietnam War (coursework).