The subject of History consists of four key components which are spread out across three exam papers:

Paper 1: 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

• Students need to understand how medicine in Britain developed around key themes of disease control, medical knowledge, technology, public health, and the role of government.
• Students study this in breadth, from the medieval period rooted in superstition through to the creation and significance of the NHS to present day.
• Students will also consider how war and social change accelerated medical progress, as crises often forced rapid innovation and organisation.
• Students will analyse primary sources, evaluate evidence, and make connections between medicine, war, and society across time.

Paper 2: British depth study – Early Elizabethan England, 1558–88

• Students studying Elizabethan England need to understand how Elizabeth I established and maintained her authority amid political, religious, and foreign challenges.
• This topic also features key social, cultural and economic developments such as exploration, trade and theatre.
• There is a key focus on explaining causes, consequences, and turning points, as well as linking political, religious, and social events to show how one of England’s most notoriously powerful women shaped her kingdom.

Paper 2: Period study – Superpower relations and the Cold War, 1941–91

• The Cold War unit focuses on the long-standing rivalry between the USA and USSR, rooted in opposing ideologies and post-World War Two tensions.
• Students need to know the key origins and crises of the Cold War, including key events such as the Berlin Blockade and Cuban Missile Crisis, as well as an exploration of the end of the Cold War and the fundamental causes of this.
• Students must have a clear understanding of chronology, causes, consequences, and turning points, and be able to explain how events were connected across time.

 Paper 3: Modern depth study – Weimar and Nazi Germany, 1918–39

• This unit centres around Germany’s post-World War One challenges and how they ultimately shaped the rise and fall of the Weimar Republic and the emergence of Nazi Germany.
• Key themes include economic hardship, political manipulation and social control across both the Weimar and Nazi periods.
• Students will explore the rise of Hitler, from the ‘lunatic fringe’ of the early 1920s to his rapid rise to Fuhrer of Germany in 1934, and his subsequent control over the German population through fear, intimidation and violence.
• Students will analyse primary sources and historical interpretations to formulate judgements on key events that shaped Germany during this period.

• Paper 1: 1 hour 20 minutes, 52 marks (36 marks Medicine in Britain, c1250-present including 4 marks for SPaG, and 16 marks The British sector of the Western Front) – 31%
• Paper 2: 1 hour 50 minutes, 64 marks (32 marks Elizabethan England, 1558-88 and 32 marks Superpower relations and the Cold War, 1941-91) – 38%
• Paper 3: 1 hour 30 minutes, 52 marks including 4 marks for SPaG – 31%

Our History department is committed to high expectations, working closely with every student to ensure they meet and exceed their MEGs. We make history exciting and relevant, showing how the past connects to the modern world and the issues that shape society today. A key focus of our department is reading and literacy, helping students to develop strong analytical skills, interpret complex texts, and communicate their ideas confidently. Through a combination of challenging content, purposeful support, and engaging teaching, we aim to inspire students to become critical thinkers and independent learners, fully equipped to succeed in History and beyond.

Studying GCSE History at Woodcote High will open up a wide range of career opportunities in fields such as law, journalism, politics, education, media, and international relations. History develops essential skills in research, analysis, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving which are invaluable tools to be applied in the working world. Whatever career path one chooses to take, studying History provides a strong foundation and is considered a desirable subject by employers.

Exam Board: Edexcel

Course Code: 1HI0 FR