invasion, conquest, civil war and terrorism, and their effects on the people of this country over more than century.


Medieval England, 790-1500


This includes the Viking raids and the Norman Conquest. Early Modern England, 1500-1750


Topics include Elizabethan privateers and conflict with Scotland.


Later Modern Britain, 1750-2010


Topics include the home front during the world wars and the current impact of terrorism.


Topic 4 – Depth Study on Britain, 1629-1660


The aim of this topic is to give students the opportunity to study in depth a period of fundamental significance in British history.


Relations between king and Parliament, 1629-1642


Students learn about how Charles I attempted to rule without parliament and how this led eventually to civil war.


The political and religious impact of war, 1642-1649


The main focus is on how the monarchy in England was abolished.


The nature and extent of change in England, 1649-1660


Students study how England was ruled by Oliver Cromwell and why the monarchy was eventually restored.


Topic 5 – Castles


This topic looks at the strategic position and location of castles generally and their functions. It also focuses on as specific castle set by the examination board and students investigate the cost, appearance, function, life in the castle and key events in the castle’s history. The castle studied changes each examination cycle and for 2019 it will be Kenilworth Castle.


Assessment


The five topics are assessed across three exam papers using a mixture of short-answer questions, essays, source questions and interpretation questions. There is no controlled assessment or coursework.


MEDIA STUDIES (AQA 4810)


The GCSE Media Studies course blends theoretical and practical approaches to studying the media. It is an exciting and contemporary course that could open many doors to further education and a future career in the media industry.


Mass media plays an important role in our society, providing us with entertainment and information. The media also have a significant effect on our attitudes and social values. This course will enable students to develop a critical understanding of the role of mass media in our society. Students are introduced to new ideas and topics, exploring a broad range of media texts, from magazines and advertisements to films and television programmes.


As well as analysing the media, students will have the opportunity to produce their own media texts. The department is fully equipped with a suite of industry- standard Apple laptops. Media students are trained to use software that allows them to edit video, manipulate images and construct audio pieces.


The department is proud of the quality of the practical work that students produce.


Assessment The course is assessed through:


Written examinations worth 70% of the final grade There are two exam papers, each 90 minutes in length


30


(each worth 35% of the final mark). The examinations test students’ knowledge and understanding of media language, representations, industries, audiences and contexts.


Non-exam assessment (coursework) worth 30% of the final grade


Coursework – The non-exam assessment is based on a choice of topics related to a theme chosen by the exam board and will include both written and practical work.


All assessments are targeted at the full range of GCSE candidates and, therefore, are not tiered.


Grades 9 to 1 are available


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