Getting started: webinar
In the autumn term we ran an online webinar to introduce you to our new GCSE History specification (first assessment in summer 2018).
The session was presented by Richard Staton, Chair of Examiners for GCSE History.
During the webinar we covered:
- the key elements of the specification structure, teaching content and assessment
- the changes to the draft specification made in light of feedback from Ofqual
- the implications for teaching and learning in a three year Key Stage 4 course
- a run through of the next steps in terms of the accreditation process and resources.
We’ve uploaded the session for you to view in your own time, as well as the PowerPoint slides that accompany the webinar.
Why not share with a friend or colleague as well?
Watch the webinar
Your questions answered
When will we start teaching the new GCSE?
- first teaching will be in September 2016
- first assessment will be summer 2018
Are there any prohibited combinations in the new specification?
No, the specification has been designed so there are no prohibited combinations.
Is there a particular order elements should be taught in?
That is entirely at the centre’s discretion. The specification has been designed to be flexible, so that the four elements can be taught in whichever order teachers feel is most appropriate for their school and students. One approach that may be helpful is to start with the topics that are familiar from the previous specifications and adapting resources already accessible to you.
How much time is the course designed to be taught in?
The four elements – the period study, the thematic study, the wider world depth study and the British depth study are equally weighted at 25% each. The course has been designed to fit into 120 guided learning hours, so that's roughly 30 hours each.
How many years should the course be taught over?
The course is designed to be taught over two years. However this is at the centre’s discretion and what is most appropriate for their school and students .
If the course is taught over three years, if a teacher were to begin teaching some content, what would you recommend?
The specification has been designed to be flexible, so that the topics can be taught in whichever order teachers feel is most appropriate for their school and students. One approach that may be helpful is to start with the topics that are familiar from the previous specifications and adapting resources already accessible to you. If you email the history subject team at history@aqa.org.uk, the development team can provide further advice on teaching over three years.
What topics will be familiar from the current AQA History specifications?
We’ve retained the most popular topics from our current specifications and added some exciting new ones, giving teachers and students plenty of flexibility. The new specification offers a wide choice of depth studies based on modern international relations. Popular and well established periods of German, Russian and American West will still be offered. Our popular thematic study of medicine through time will also be updated.
What new topics are being offered as part of the new specification?
The new specification offers a new international relations depth study option looking at conflict in the late 20th and earlier 21st centuries. There are also new thematic studies – one looks at how people’s rights have developed in Britain since medieval times, the other looks at migration to and from Britain and how Britain’s place in the world has evolved from Viking times to present day. The new specification also includes new British depth studies, exploring Norman, Medieval, Elizabethan and Restoration History.
Will all interpretations questions deal with sources from people who have lived through the event?
The interpretations for Section A in Paper 1 will have solid and accessible provenance to help students answer the question ‘why interpretations differ’. We feel that without prescribing historians, the question of why professional historians differ is very difficult for GCSE students to answer in an exam room. The interpretation could be written by historians, but ones who have lived through an event and have a distinct point of view.
How often will the sites set for the historic environment change?
We will be prescribing the site for each option, and this will change each year. We will release the site details three years in advance, eg when the specification is accredited we will release the 2018 site details.
What resources will be available for teaching the historic environment?
We will produce a resources pack for each site to help with the delivery of this element.
Is there a requirement for teachers and students to visit their chosen historic environment?
There is no requirement for teachers and students to visit the site and the questions are designed in light of this. Teachers could visit a similar site in their local area with students to support their delivery of this element, but again this is not a requirement.
Are there specimen/mock papers available for the new specification?
Draft specimen papers and mark schemes may already be downloaded from the AQA website – please visit https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/history/gcse/history-8145/assessment-resources. Once the specification is accredited we will also produce further additional specimen materials and exemplar student answers in due course.
What resources will be produced in support of the new specification?
We are working to produce a suite of resources. Schemes of work will be produced for all 16 topics and are planned to be available by December 2015. We will also be publishing additional specimen materials and examples of student responses in due course.
Will there be Preparing to Teach events taking place for GCSE History?
Yes - these are scheduled to take place from spring 2016.
How can I speak to someone in the AQA History team?
We have an experienced team of Customer Support Advisers who will be happy to answer any queries you may have. You can contact them by phoning 0161 958 3861, or emailing history@aqa.org.uk.
Useful resources to help you teach with confidence
Visit our website to find out more about the easy way to plan, teach and assess the new GCSE History specification including:
- guidance to switching to AQA
- a summary of changes between our new specification and our current GCSE History specifications A and B
- digital resources from Teachit History
How we can help
If you have any questions, you can contact our history team at history@aqa.org.uk or call 0161 958 3861.