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    OCR as-level History

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    Course overview

    The OCR as-level History specification covers 2 topics with 2 learning objectives (603/0806/0). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.

    • 2 topics
    • 2 learning objectives
    Ofqual Regulated: 603/0806/0

    Official Regulatory Specification

    Regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) in England

    View on Ofqual Register (opens the official government register in a new tab)
    Qualification Number (QN)
    603/0806/0
    Awarding Organisation
    OCR
    Regulatory Type
    GCE AS Level
    National Level & Units
    as-level • 2 units
    Sector Subject Area: History
    This qualification is officially accredited under the national framework. Credits and certified outcomes are recognised by employers, further education colleges, and training providers throughout the UK.
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    About this course

    About OCR as-level History

    This OCR AS-Level History course offers a fascinating exploration of significant historical periods and themes, designed to develop your analytical skills and deepen your understanding of the past. You will study two distinct components: British and European history, each focusing on key developments, individuals, and ideas that shaped the modern world. The course encourages you to engage critically with historical evidence, interpretations, and debates, preparing you for further study or a career that values rigorous thinking.

    The specification is structured to balance breadth and depth, allowing you to examine both long-term trends and specific turning points. You will investigate topics such as the English Revolution, the French Revolution, or the Cold War, depending on the options your centre selects. Throughout the course, you will develop essential skills in source analysis, essay writing, and historical argumentation, all of which are assessed through written examinations. This AS-Level provides a solid foundation for the full A-Level, which extends your studies into additional topics and a coursework component.

    Assessment Structure

    This OCR AS-Level History qualification is assessed through two written examination papers, each contributing 50% of the total AS-Level grade. Paper 1 focuses on British history and is worth 50 marks, lasting 1 hour 30 minutes. Paper 2 covers non-British history and is also worth 50 marks, with the same duration. Both papers require you to answer essay questions and analyse historical sources, testing your knowledge, understanding, and analytical skills. There is no coursework at AS-Level, and the total marks available across both papers are 100.

    Why Choose OCR?

    • OCR offers a clear and structured specification that allows for a choice of engaging topics, such as 'The English Revolution 1625-1660' or 'The French Revolution and the Rule of Napoleon 1774-1815', enabling you to study periods that genuinely interest you.
    • The assessment model is straightforward, with two equally weighted papers that focus on essay writing and source analysis, helping you to develop transferable skills that are highly valued by universities and employers.
    • OCR provides excellent support resources, including past papers, mark schemes, and examiner reports, which can help you understand exactly what is expected and how to maximise your marks.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the difference between OCR AS-Level History and A-Level History?
    The OCR AS-Level History is a one-year qualification that counts as half an A-Level. It consists of two examined components, covering British and non-British history, and is worth 50% of the full A-Level. The A-Level is a two-year course that includes the AS content plus additional topics and a coursework component, leading to a full A-Level qualification. If you are considering university, you would typically take the full A-Level, but the AS-Level can be taken as a standalone qualification to broaden your studies or to test the subject before committing to A-Level.
    How many exams are there in OCR AS-Level History and what is the format?
    There are two written exams for OCR AS-Level History. Paper 1 covers British history and Paper 2 covers non-British history. Each paper lasts 1 hour 30 minutes and is worth 50 marks. The exams include a mix of essay questions and source-based questions. For example, Paper 1 includes a source enquiry section where you analyse and evaluate historical sources, while Paper 2 focuses on essay questions that test your knowledge and understanding of the period. Both papers are equally weighted, contributing 50% each to your final AS-Level grade.
    What topics can I study for OCR AS-Level History?
    OCR offers a range of topics for AS-Level History, and your school or college will choose which ones to teach. For Paper 1 (British), options include 'The Early Tudors 1485-1558', 'The English Revolution 1625-1660', and 'The American Revolution 1740-1796' (which is British-focused). For Paper 2 (Non-British), options include 'The French Revolution and the Rule of Napoleon 1774-1815', 'The Cold War in Europe 1941-1995', and 'The German Reformation 1517-1555'. You should check with your centre to see which specific topics they offer.
    Is there any coursework in OCR AS-Level History?
    No, there is no coursework component in the OCR AS-Level History qualification. The entire grade is determined by your performance in the two written examinations. This can be an advantage if you prefer exam-based assessment, as it allows you to focus your revision on exam technique and content knowledge. However, you will still develop research and analytical skills through your studies, which will be assessed through source-based questions in the exams.
    How does OCR AS-Level History prepare me for A-Level or university study?
    OCR AS-Level History is designed to develop key historical skills such as source analysis, critical evaluation, and constructing coherent arguments. These skills are directly transferable to A-Level study, where you will build on the content and concepts introduced at AS-Level. At university, history courses require independent research and analytical writing, which the AS-Level helps to cultivate. Additionally, the essay-based assessment format prepares you for the types of assignments you will encounter in higher education, making it a solid foundation for any humanities or social science degree.
    Assessment and exam guidance

    What Gets Top Grades

    A*/Grade 9

    Knowledge & Understanding

    Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge

    • Uses correct subject-specific terminology
    • Shows detailed understanding of concepts
    • Makes accurate connections between topics
    • Demonstrates depth beyond surface-level knowledge

    Application

    Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts

    • Selects relevant knowledge for the question
    • Adapts understanding to unfamiliar scenarios
    • Uses examples appropriately
    • Shows awareness of context

    Analysis & Evaluation

    Develops sophisticated analytical arguments

    • Constructs logical chains of reasoning
    • Considers multiple perspectives
    • Weighs evidence to reach justified conclusions
    • Acknowledges limitations and nuances

    Key Command Words

    OCR
    State
    1 mark

    Give a single fact or term

    Identify
    1 mark

    Name or select

    Describe
    2-4 marks

    Account of process or features

    Explain
    3-6 marks

    Give reasons with BUSINESS-FACING outcomes

    Analyse
    6-9 marks

    Examine methodically showing cause→effect→outcome

    Evaluate
    9-12 marks

    Judge, weigh up evidence, reach SYNOPTIC conclusion

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