Qualification details

EDEXCEL Level 1/Level 2 GCSE in History A

Qualification summary

This specification gives candidates the opportunity to study history in outline and in depth. It also provides candidates with the opportunity to study history in a variety of scales, British, European and global: international relations, and across a range of perspectives: political, social and economic. This is reflected in the content and the assessment.

The purpose of Unit 1 is to enable students to show their understanding of a range of key concepts including change over time, by deploying historical knowledge and analysing key features and events.

Unit 2 enables the student to study one area in depth from which they draw on knowledge and understanding in assessment.

The purpose of Unit 3 is to enable students to deploy detailed knowledge and understanding of the period studied and to analyse a range of sources of information, and to comprehend, analyse and evaluate representations and interpretations of events people and issues.

In Unit 4, the controlled assessment enables students to research a specified context, increase the breadth and range of their studies and to broaden their assessment experience.

The chronology of this specification runs from the late 19th century to the present day and it aims to give students a clear understanding of the key issues which have helped to shape the modern world. Each of the combinations available affords a valid and coherent route to the understanding of the modern world.

Qualification details

500/4430/8
1,2
GCSE - General Certificate of Secondary Education
GCSE - Full Course
Accreditation start date:
01/09/2008
Operational start date in centres:
01/09/2009
Accreditation end date:
31/08/2015
Certification end date:
31/08/2016
For information on the approval of qualifications for funding in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, see the links to DCSF, DIUS, DCELLS, DELNI and DENI below.

When undertaking a qualification that does not appear on the governments' lists as eligible for funding for specific age ranges, users must be aware of legal requirements. Not all qualifications are suitable for all age ranges.
For further information on 14-19 qualifications offered in England, please refer to the DCSF Section 96 website.

For further information on 19+ qualifications offered in England, please refer to the DIUS Section 97 website.
For further information on Wales, visit the DCELLS website.
For further information on Northern Ireland, visit the DELNI and DENI websites.
English
Students can progress from this specification to a GCE in History. The Edexcel GCE in History allows students to further develop understanding of the modern world.
No specific job occupation
  • 10 History, Philosophy and Theology
    • 10.1  History
120-140
A*/A/B/C/D/E/F/G
Task-based controlled assessment
Written Examination
Units 1, 2 and 3 are assessed by external examination.
Unit 4 is assessed internally and externally moderated.

Edexcel does not prescribe how units are taught and centres may teach aspects of history holistically.
There are four units. Students must complete all units.
Unit 1 has internal choice.
Students choose 1 of 3 options in units 2 and 3.
Students must complete 1 task in their controlled assessment.
Students must complete 2 units in terminal assessment.