Remove and 5th Form CurriculumThe twentieth century has witnessed warfare and political upheavals on a scale unprecedented in the history of mankind. Few would deny the importance of such events and the need to study them. The History department accordingly teaches a course in twentieth century (Modern World History, OCR examination board) to GCSE Level which pupils should find both absorbing and interesting.
Among the topics covered are the tragic legacy of the First World War, which left Germans feeling bitter and resentful at their country’s treatment by the victors at Versailles. This leads to a study of the attempts to create a new era of international diplomacy in the 1920s and its failure in the wake of the Wall Street Crash 1929, with the rise of aggressive dictatorships.
The collapse of international order in the 1920s and the origins of the Second World War are analysed, with particular focus on Hitler and the Third Reich.
There is a British study unit which covers the important political and social developments in the period 1906 to 1918 including the Suffragette movement, the emergence of the Welfare state and the impact of the First World War on the Home Front.
As the twentieth century has drawn to a close it is appropriate to give some weight to events post 1945, so that pupils gain a better understanding of the world we live in. We therefore study the origins and shape of the Cold War, the spread and eventual collapse of Eastern Bloc Communism, the United States’ efforts to contain Communism, and the work of the United Nations.
The examination consists of two written papers, comprising 75% of the total marks, and coursework, which is worth 25% of the final grade. Teaching attempts to develop an analytical understanding of the topics covered, often through case studies, and the skills required to analyse and handle most kinds of historical evidence. Classroom discussion is a vital part of the learning process as pupils are encouraged to articulate analytical concepts and discuss issues meaningfully. The Department also makes use of a large collection of video documentaries and film to enhance the learning process.
