specification overview
Edexcel GCSE (9-1) History (1HI0) is a single-tier linear qualification with three papers. Paper 1 (Thematic Study and Historic Environment) is 30%; Paper 2 (Period Study and British Depth Study) is 40%; Paper 3 (Modern Depth Study) is 30%. Schools pick options from a wide list of studies.
subject content
1. Paper 1: Thematic study + Historic environment
Paper 1- Choose one thematic study: Crime and Punishment / Medicine in Britain / Warfare and British Society / Migrants in Britain
- Historic Environment: a site study fixed to the chosen thematic option (Whitechapel c1870-c1900 with Crime and Punishment; The British sector of the Western Front 1914-18 with Medicine; London and the Second World War 1939-45 with Warfare; Notting Hill c1948-c1970 with Migrants)
2. Paper 2 Section A: Period study
Paper 2- Choose one: Spain and the New World c.1490-c.1555 / British America 1713-83 / American West c.1835-c.1895 / Superpower Relations and the Cold War 1941-91 / Conflict in the Middle East 1945-95
3. Paper 2 Section B: British Depth Study
Paper 2- Choose one: Anglo-Saxon and Norman England / Reigns of King Richard I and King John / Henry VIII / Early Elizabethan England 1558-88
4. Paper 3: Modern Depth Study
Paper 3- Choose one: Weimar and Nazi Germany / Russia and the Soviet Union 1917-41 / Mao's China 1945-76 / The USA 1954-75 conflict at home and abroad
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Thematic Study and Historic Environment) | One thematic study (e.g. Crime and Punishment) + Historic Environment (site-based) | 1h 20m | 52 | 30% | Section A: Historic environment source questions (16 marks). Section B: Thematic study extended-response and comparison (36 marks) |
| Paper 2 (Period Study and British Depth Study) | Chosen Period Study + Chosen British Depth Study | 1h 50m | 64 | 40% | Booklet 1: Period Study (32 marks). Booklet 2: British Depth Study (32 marks) |
| Paper 3 (Modern Depth Study) | One Modern Depth Study (e.g. Weimar and Nazi Germany) | 1h 30m | 52 | 30% | Section A: source inference (4 marks) plus one 'explain why' question from a choice of two (12 marks) - 16 marks. Section B: a single four-part question using two sources and two interpretations (36 marks, including 4 SPaG) |
SPaG is assessed on the highest-mark question in Paper 1 and Paper 3 only (4 marks each, 8 marks in total across the 168-mark qualification); Paper 2 carries no SPaG marks. The Paper 1 Historic Environment is fixed to the chosen thematic study option and does not change year to year. Paper 3 uniquely includes interpretations (historians' views) as compulsory content.
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 of the past. | 15% |
key tips for success
Learn your school's chosen 4 options
Edexcel offers many combinations. Your school picks: 1 Thematic Study, 1 Period Study, 1 British Depth Study, 1 Modern Depth Study. Focus revision entirely on your chosen options.
Master the Historic Environment site
Paper 1's Historic Environment is fixed to your thematic study option (e.g. Whitechapel, the Western Front, London in WWII, Notting Hill). Learn the site's history, purpose, layout, key features and how it reflects the wider theme.
Practise source analysis (AO3)
AO3 (15%) tests contemporary sources. Learn to comment on: provenance, content, tone, purpose, reliability, usefulness.
Master interpretation analysis (AO4)
AO4 (15%) is Paper 3's headline skill. Learn to identify what interpretations say, why historians differ, and how to evaluate using knowledge and other views.
Learn precise dates and named individuals
Every extended answer rewards precise dates, named individuals, specific events. Prepare a timeline for each option with key dates, people, outcomes.
Practise 16-mark essay structure
16-mark essays reward: intro (define terms), 3 developed points with evidence, considered judgement. Practise until structure is automatic.
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