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  1. Home
  2. Subjects
  3. History
  4. GCSE History

GCSE History8145

SpecificationPlanning resourcesTeaching resourcesAssessment resourcesKey dates
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Specification at a glance
3.0 Subject content
3.1 Rationale
3.2 Understanding the modern world
3.3 Shaping the nation
4.0 Scheme of assessment
5.0 General administration
GCSE History Specification Specification for first teaching in 2016

GCSE History Specification Specification for first teaching in 2016

24 Sep 2019

PDF | 847.87 KB

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©AQA 2025 | Company number: 03644723 | Registered office: Devas Street, Manchester, M15 6EX | AQA is not responsible for the content of external sites

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1.0 Introduction

1.1 Why choose AQA for GCSE History

We believe in the importance of learning from history. That's why we've designed a specification that enables students to study different aspects of the past, so they can engage with key issues such as conflict, understand what drives change and how the past influences the present.

We’ve worked with teachers and subject experts to include some exciting new topics for today’s world that will resonate with students, helping them gain new insights into the world around them.

To give you the choice and flexibility to teach the history you want to teach, we’ve included the most popular and well-established topics. Building on the skills and topics at Key Stage 3, our GCSE will equip your students with essential skills and prepare them for further study.

You can find out about all our History qualifications at aqa.org.uk/history

1.2 Support and resources to help you teach

We’ve worked with experienced teachers to provide you with a range of resources that will help you confidently plan, teach and prepare for exams.

Teaching resources

Visit aqa.org.uk/8145 to see all our teaching resources. They include:

  • sample schemes of work for two year courses, plus lesson plans to help you plan your course with confidence
  • guidance and materials for the historic environment study
  • student textbooks, checked by AQA
  • mapping to link Key Stage 3 with Key Stage 4 content
  • step-by-step guide to our assessments
  • training courses to help you deliver AQA History qualifications
  • subject expertise courses for all teachers, from newly-qualified teachers who are just getting started to experienced teachers looking for fresh inspiration.

Preparing for exams

Visit aqa.org.uk/8145 for everything you need to prepare for our exams, including specimen papers and mark schemes for new courses.

Analyse your students' results with Data Insights

We've replaced Enhanced Results Analysis (ERA) with a new platform – Data Insights. It does the same things as ERA – and more.

Find out which questions were the most challenging, how the results compare to previous years and where your students need to improve. Data Insights, our free online results analysis tool, will help you see where to focus your teaching. Find out more at aqa.org.uk/data-insights

For information about results, including maintaining standards over time, grade boundaries and our post-results services, visit aqa.org.uk/results

Keep your skills up-to-date with professional development

Time in the classroom is precious, but we understand that as your career develops, the skills and knowledge you need may change. As well as subject-specific training, we offer a range of courses to help boost your skills.

  • Feedback sessions to understand how students have performed in this year’s exams.
  • Virtual communities where you can chat to teachers in your subject area about what’s important to you.

This is just the start . Our events calendar is full of different ways for you to learn, understand and be inspired. Find out more at aqa.org.uk/professional-development .

Get help and support

Visit our website for information, guidance, support and resources at aqa.org.uk/8145

You can talk directly to the History subject team:

E: history@aqa.org.uk

T: 0161 958 3861

2.0 Specification at a glance