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Introducing the new GCSE History

Mike Charman / Emma Darlington

June 2015

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What is the AQA approach?

We have created a specification that has been:

• based on guidance from teachers and subject experts

• developed by an experienced team of teachers and examiners

• designed to engage young people in this subject

• designed to ensure effective assessment across the ability range

• developed to meet all new regulatory requirements

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What does the new specification look like?

Component 1: Understanding the modern world

Period studyOne of four to choose from:• 1A America, 1840–1895: Expansion and consolidation• 1B Germany, 1890–1945: Democracy and dictatorship• 1C Russia, 1894–1945: Tsardom and communism• 1D America, 1920–1973: Opportunity and inequality

Wider world depth studyOne of 5 to choose from:• Conflict and tension, 1894-1918• Conflict and tension, 1918-1939• Conflict and tension between East and West, 1945-1972• Conflict and tension in Asia, 1950-1975• Conflict and tension, 1990-2009

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What does the new specification look like?

Component 2: Shaping the nation

Thematic study One of three to choose from:• 2A Britain: health and the people• 2B Britain: power and the people• 2C Britain: migration, empires and the people

British depth study including the historic environmentOne of four to choose from:• Norman England, 1066-c1100• Medieval England: the reign of Edward I, 1272-1307• Elizabethan England, c1568-1603• Restoration England, 1660-1685

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What do the new examination papers look like?

Assessment

• Two examination papers – one for each component

• Both 1 hour 45 minutes

• Both 84 marks

• Both worth 50% of the overall assessment

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The Examination Papers: Papers 1 and 2

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Paper 1: Understanding the modern world

Paper 2: Shaping the nation

Section A Period study

6 compulsory questions (40 marks, plus 4 additional marks for spelling, punctuation, grammar and specialist terminology)

Section A Thematic study

5 compulsory questions (40 marks, plus 4 additional marks for spelling, punctuation, grammar and specialist terminology)

Section B Wider world depth study

4 compulsory questions(40 marks)

Section B British depth study with historic environment

4 compulsory questions(40 marks)

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What are the practical benefits of the new specification?

Benefits

Simplicity Relevant, coherent and

engaging

Flexible and offers choice

Innovative Continuity

Accessible, reliable and transparent assessment

Support

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What’s next?

Timeline

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Date Activity

April 2015 Draft specification and specimen paper available on our website

June to September 2015 Specification accredited by Ofqual

FREE Launch events held for draft specification (face to face and online)

October to January 2016 Resources from AQA available

January 2016 onwards FREE Preparing to teach events (face to face and online)

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Contact points for more information and guidance

History customer support team:Tel: 0161 958 3861history@aqa.org.uk

Teacher Support / CPD: Tel: 0161 957 3646teachercpd@aqa.org.uk

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Thank you

Are there any questions you would like to ask?

Version 3.0