History
‘The History department aims to motivate learners to be inquisitive of big events that have shaped the world. We strive to create empathetic individuals who have the skills to consider things from different perspectives and the confidence to think critically to make decisions and form their own opinions in their future lives.’
History is a popular subject at Coleg Cymunedol Y Dderwen, with large numbers opting to study it at both GCSE and A level. Our enthusiastic team aims to bring History to life using a wide variety of stimuli to engage and encourage our students to be active participants in our lessons.
These include pictures, cartoons, written sources, films, documentaries, newspapers and music.
History allows people to make sense of the world they live in and discover how and why people behaved in the way they did. It encourages students to ask questions and not take everything at face-value. The study of History helps pupils express their own opinions in a reasoned manner, while equipping them with a vast array of skills that are useful in the wider world.
KS3
At key stage three learners can develop their historical skill set such as source analysis and evaluating interpretations to allow them to critically consider the past.
Year 7:
- How do big events shape our world?
• Is freedom important?
Year 8:
- Who goes where?
- Who were the Tudors?
- What was witchcraft?
- How did the Industrial Revolution change Britain?
- Humanity Vs Disease: Can we win the battle?
Year 9:
- Why did the world erupt into war in 1914?
- How did Hitler rise to power?
- How did Nazis change life in Germany?
- A study of crime: Is our country safe? (Jack the Ripper)
Key Stage Four
At GCSE we offer History GCSE WJEC
Learners will study four units across two years to broaden and deepen their knowledge within the discipline.
Unit 1: Studies in Depth – Wales and the wider perspective Written examination: 1 hour 25% of qualification
DEPRESSION, WAR AND RECOVERY, 1930-1951
This option focuses in depth on selected themes and issues relating to the history of depression, war and recovery during the period 1930-1951.
Unit 2: Studies in Depth – History with a European / world focus Written examination: 1 hour 25% of qualification
THE USA: A NATION OF CONTRASTS, 1910-1929
This option focuses in depth on selected themes and issues relating to the history of the USA between 1910 and 1929. Candidates will be required to consider the main problems and challenges facing American society during the period, the major economic problems and the development of American culture and society.
Unit 3: Thematic studies from a broad historical perspective Written examination: 1 hour 15 minutes 30% of qualification
CHANGES IN CRIME AND PUNISHMENT, c.1500 to the present day
This option focuses thematically on the main trends in the history of crime and punishment in Britain from c.1500 to the present day. Learners will be required to consider the causes and types of crime, law enforcement, combating and punishment of crime and changing attitudes towards crime and punishment over time.
Unit 4: Working as an historian Non-Examination Assessment (NEA) 20% of qualification
The non-examination assessment will involve the completion of two separate tasks, one with a focus on source evaluation within the creation of an historical narrative and one with a focus on the formation of different historical interpretations of history.
Key Stage 5
During Year 12 students will study two units.
Unit 1: REVOLUTION AND NEW IDEAS IN EUROPE c.1780-1881
This option will enable learners to consider how various developments posed challenges to governments and society at this time and what responses were made.
Unit 2: ROYALTY, REBELLION AND REPUBLIC c.1625-1660 PART 1: THE PRESSURE ON THE MONARCHY AND THE DRIFT TO CIVIL WAR c.1625-1642
Learners will be required to study in depth a range of historical topics relating to the period of Royal rule and advent of the Civil War c.1625-1642.
During Year 13 learners will study 3 units.
Unit 3: THE AMERICAN CENTURY c.1890-1990
Learners will be required to study issues connected with domestic change and foreign affairs in the USA c.1890-1990.
Unit 4: ROYALTY, REBELLION AND REPUBLIC c.1625-1660 PART 2: CIVIL WAR, COMMONWEALTH AND PROTECTORATE c.1642-1660
Learners will be required to study in depth a range of historical topics relating to the period of Civil War and Republic c.1642-1660.
Unit 5: Unit 5 is a non-examination assessment (NEA). Learners investigate an issue of historical debate through a study of different historical interpretations. This component encourages learners to explain how and why different historical interpretations have been formed.