GCSE AT FARRINGTONS SCHOOL

At GCSE we study the Edexcel Modern World History Specification A syllabus. The textbook we use is specifically written for this exam and it is published by Heinemann. There are two versions of this textbook: 'Core' and 'Foundation'. The 'Core' textbook is more detailed in its content and the literacy level is fairly high. The 'Foundation' textbook is less detailed (basic content is the same) and the questions are simplified, as this textbook is written for pupils with learning difficulties. The textbooks are supported by a variety of other sources, such as, worksheets, power point slides, web sites, film and documentaries, and role-play.

Students are examined by three papers. Two papers are external examinations testing recall, source evaluation and essay writing. These two papers account for 75% of the final grade at GCSE. The third paper is coursework, comprising of two sections, which are - 'Women and the Struggle for the Vote' (essay writing), and 'Britain in the Age of Total War' (source work). The coursework is worth 25% of the final grade.

For the two external papers we cover a variety of topics. For Paper One (recall and essay writing) we study 'A Divided Union? The USA: 1941-80'. This looks at life in America after World War Two, covering such issues as, Civil Rights, protest movements including women and students, the presidencies of Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon. The second topic of study is based upon what the group at the time would like to study. The options include, 'India, 1900-49', 'The Soviet Union, 1928-91', 'Superpower Relations, 1945-90' and 'The Middle East Conflict'.

For Paper Two (recall and source evaluation), we study 'Conflict in Vietnam - 1963-75'. This compliments the 'USA Divided' topic for Paper One. With Vietnam we study three areas - why did America enter the war in Vietnam? - how was the war fought by both sides? - what were the consequences of the war for Vietnam, America, the people of Vietnam and the people of America? The second topic of study is 'Nazi Germany - 1930-39'. In this topic we look at the folowing - how and why did Hitler come to power? - the social, economic and political policies of the Nazi Party - the impact of these policies on the people of Germany.

As part of the 'Modern World' course, we try to organise a residential trip for the GCSE classes on a two-year cycle.  In the past we have visited Washington DC and Berlin.  In November 2007, twenty five students went to Munich, Nuremberg and Berlin.