A-level History NEA: important reminders for summer 2023
Published: Thursday 23 Mar 2023
As we approach the 15 May NEA deadline, we have a few important reminders for the submission of the A-level History NEA (7042/C) component for this summer. For summer 2023, we’re also back to our original requirements for our A-level specification.
NEA word limit
In 2019 we announced a word limit of 4500 words for our A-level History NEA (7042/C). These changes were introduced for the first time in summer 2022.
A reminder that for summer 2023:
- NEA submissions that exceed the 4500 word liit will automatically incur a 5-mark penalty
- the word count should be recorded on the candidate record form, and should encompass everything in the main body of the text, including quotations. However, titles/headings, footnotes/references, appendices and the bibliography should not be included in the word count
- if we find any discrepancies or suspect that a word count has been inaccurately recorded on the candidate record form, we’ll investigate and may request all NEAs for all students from your school or college.
To avoid any mark penalty for this summer, students should accurately record the word count on their candidate record form. If a student exceeds the word limit, your moderator will apply the penalty. Please do not apply this to your own marking or internal moderation.
Candidate record forms
You’ll need to sign a candidate record form for Component 3 NEA Historical investigation 2023 and attach this to your students’ work. The form allows you to record your assessment of your students’ NEA and for both teachers and students to authenticate the work.
Remember to check the accuracy of marks by ensuring students’ mark totals are correct on the candidate record form and that these are correct before you submit them.
The candidate record forms are really important for moderators, and you can use them to record any supporting information regarding your assessment. The detail on these forms makes it clearer for the moderator to understand why marks have been awarded in different sections and gives you an opportunity to justify your decisions.
Centre declaration sheet
All schools and colleges must submit a signed centre declaration sheet for 2023 to confirm that internal standardisation has taken place. If more than one teacher has been involved in marking your students’ work, one person must be responsible for ensuring that the work has been assessed to the same standard.
Sending student samples
You’ll need to include the following forms when sending students’ samples to your moderator:
- a copy of the candidate record form for every student in the cohort
- a completed historical investigation question approval form for 2023 for each NEA question
- a signed centre declaration sheet.
The deadline to submit centre-assessed marks is 15 May 2023.
Support and resources
Your AQA appointed A-level History NEA adviser is available to help with all aspects of the NEA. You can find out more about the NEA adviser service on our website. If you haven’t already got your adviser's details, your exams officer should have them. If not, just contact the team at history@aqa.org.uk
Remember, teacher online standardisation is also available at any time on Centre Services before you start marking your assessments. This online resource allows you to mark students’ NEA work yourself and then, after you’ve entered your marks, the lead moderator’s marks are revealed and explained. This is a great activity to do before marking and internal standardisation to ensure that your marking is in line with our lead moderator’s standard.
