specification overview
AQA GCSE History (8145) is a single-tier linear qualification with two 2h written papers. Paper 1 (Understanding the Modern World) is 50%; Paper 2 (Shaping the Nation) is 50%. Each paper has two options, schools pick combinations from period studies, wider-world depth studies, thematic studies, and British depth studies.
subject content
1. Paper 1 Section A: Period study
Paper 1- Choose one: America 1840-1895 / Germany 1890-1945 / Russia 1894-1945 / America 1920-1973
2. Paper 1 Section B: Wider-world depth study
Paper 1- Choose one from a set list of 20th century international conflicts and tensions
- e.g. Conflict and Tension 1918-1939 (League of Nations, road to WW2)
3. Paper 2 Section A: Thematic study
Paper 2- Choose one: Britain: Health and the People 1000-Present / Power and the People 1170-Present / Migration, Empires and the People 790-Present
4. Paper 2 Section B: British depth study
Paper 2- Choose one: Norman England / Medieval England: the reign of Edward I / Elizabethan England / Restoration England 1660-1685
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Understanding the Modern World) | Section A: Period study. Section B: Wider-world depth study | 2h | 84 | 50% | Section A: 6 questions on period study (inference, explanation, extended-response). Section B: 4 questions on wider-world study (source, extended-response) |
| Paper 2 (Shaping the Nation) | Section A: Thematic study. Section B: British depth study (with historic environment) | 2h | 84 | 50% | Section A: 4 questions on thematic study (source, extended-response). Section B: 4 questions on British depth study including historic environment |
SPaG is assessed across both papers (4 SPaG marks per paper on the highest-mark extended-response question, on both papers). British depth studies include a compulsory 'historic environment' component that changes each year (AQA announces the site well in advance).
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the key features and characteristics of the periods studied. | 35% |
| AO2 | Explain and analyse historical events and periods studied using second-order historical concepts. | 35% |
| AO3 | Analyse, evaluate and use sources (contemporary to the period) to make substantiated judgements. | 15% |
| AO4 | Analyse, evaluate and make substantiated judgements about interpretations (including how and why interpretations may differ). | 15% |
key tips for success
Learn your school's chosen options cold
AQA offers many combinations. Your school picks 4 options across the 2 papers. Focus revision entirely on your chosen options.
Master source analysis (AO3)
AO3 (15%) tests analysis of contemporary sources. Learn to comment on: provenance (who, when, why), content, tone, purpose, reliability, usefulness.
Master interpretation analysis (AO4)
AO4 (15%) tests historians' interpretations. Learn: what does the interpretation say, why does the historian argue this, do you agree or disagree with evidence.
Learn dates and named individuals
AQA rewards precise dates, named individuals and specific events. Prepare a timeline for each option with key dates, people, and outcomes.
Master the historic environment
Paper 2 Section B includes a historic environment site (changes yearly). Learn the site's history, purpose and evidence about it.
Structure extended-response essays
16-mark essays reward: intro (define terms), 2-3 developed points with evidence, considered judgement. Practise until automatic.
Where to next
Start your learning journey today...
Work through every point on this spec in Cognito – notes, questions, flashcards and exam practice – or browse grade boundaries and related specifications.
