 The Modern World
History GCSE course provides a detailed insight into the 20th Century and how it
has shaped
our world up to the present day. Students will use and analyse a wide
range of sources from text to photographs and film, in order to develop an understanding of the key personalities and events of the last century.
Key Areas of Study
 Britain in The First World War 1914-18:
Building on the introductory course in Year 9, students will undertake a detailed
study of the war in the trenches and conditions in Britain during the war.
From Peace to War 1919-39:
Students will investigate why there was a Second World War within 21 years of the
first, even though many people had called it ‘the war to end all wars’.
Britain in The
Second World War 1939-45:
This coursework unit, worth 12.5% of the final GCSE mark focuses on life in wartime
Britain, covering such topics as, evacuation, the Blitz, rationing and the Home
Guard.
Russia 1914-41:
This unit explains why the Russian Communists under Lenin gained control of Russia
in 1917. It also assesses the rule of Stalin, who is now believed to have killed
over 10 million of his own people.
Germany 1918-45:
This unit focuses on the problems in Germany after the Great War, why Adolf Hitler
became leader and how his Nazi government changed the lives of Germans.
The Cold War 1945-63:
The reasons behind the conflict between the two Superpowers, the USSR and USA is
examined in this unit. Students will find out why the Superpowers developed enough
nuclear weapons to destroy the world ten times over and how close they came to doing
so over Cuba in 1962.
The Vietnam War 1954-75:
We will study why the USA fought a war in Vietnam and, despite their power, were
unable to win it. This is a coursework unit worth 12.5% of the final GCSE mark.
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