History B Schools History Project

    OCR
    GCSE

    Specification: J411

    The OCR GCSE History B Schools History Project specification covers 13 topics with 196 learning objectives (J411). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.

    Starting OCR GCSE History B Schools History Project this term? The whole specification is below, unit by unit.

    This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

    13

    Topics

    196

    Objectives

    0

    Exam Tips

    0

    Pitfalls

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    Key Features

    • Master key concepts
    • Develop exam technique
    • Apply knowledge effectively

    About OCR GCSE History B Schools History Project

    OCR GCSE History B (Schools History Project) offers a dynamic and engaging approach to studying the past, focusing on depth studies, thematic studies, and British depth studies. You will explore key events, individuals, and developments that have shaped history, developing critical thinking and analytical skills. The specification is structured to allow students to investigate different periods and societies, fostering a deep understanding of historical concepts and processes.

    The course is divided into three components: a British depth study, a thematic study, and a period study or modern world study. Each component encourages students to engage with historical sources, interpretations, and evidence, building skills valued by universities and employers. The Schools History Project approach emphasises enquiry-based learning, making history relevant and exciting.

    Assessment Structure

    OCR GCSE History B is assessed through three written exams, each worth a different percentage of the final grade. Paper 1 (British depth study) is worth 30% of the total marks, Paper 2 (thematic study) is worth 40%, and Paper 3 (period study or modern world study) is worth 30%. There is no coursework; all assessment is exam-based. Each paper includes a mix of source analysis, extended writing, and knowledge-based questions, with a total of 168 marks across the three papers.

    Why Choose OCR?

    • OCR History B offers a diverse range of topic choices, allowing students to study periods and themes that interest them most, from medieval Britain to the modern world.
    • The Schools History Project approach is well-regarded for its focus on historical enquiry and interpretation, helping students develop transferable skills such as critical analysis and evidence evaluation.
    • OCR provides excellent support materials, including textbooks, online resources, and past papers, making it easier for students to prepare effectively for exams.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Specification Topics

    13 topics

    Thematic Study: The People’s Health, c.1250 to present

    Living conditions: housing, food, clean water and waste., Living conditions and lifestyles: housing, food, air quality and inactivity, The impact of local and national government on public health including measures to improve the urban environment and the government response to the gin craze, 1660–1751 +13 more

    16 objectives16 subtopics

    World Depth Study: Living under Nazi Rule, 1933–1945

    The range and effectiveness of Nazi propaganda, Opposition to Nazi rule including the Left, church leaders and youth groups, Nazi racial policy: the growing persecution of Jews +12 more

    15 objectives15 subtopics

    Period Study: Viking Expansion, c.750–c.1050

    Cnut’s Anglo-Scandinavian Empire, 1016–1035, Svein Forkbeard and his invasions of England, The nature and causes of Viking raids in Britain, Ireland, the Scottish Islands and France, 793–850 +12 more

    15 objectives15 subtopics

    Thematic Study: Migrants to Britain, c.1250 to present

    Lascars and the growth of Indian, Chinese and African communities, Attitudes towards migrants: official and unofficial responses, The European Reformation and the growth in world trade: an overview +13 more

    16 objectives16 subtopics

    Thematic Study: Crime and Punishment, c.1250 to present

    Major technological, social and political changes: an overview, Changes in the crime rate and in types of crime, Changes in law enforcement including the use of new technology +13 more

    16 objectives16 subtopics

    World Depth Study: The First Crusade, c.1070–1100

    The siege by the crusaders, Alexios I and his negotiations with the crusade leaders, The events of June and the defeat of Kerbogha +12 more

    15 objectives15 subtopics

    World Depth Study: Aztecs and the Spanish Conquest, 1519–1535

    The Spanish in Tenochtitlan and the relationship between Cortés and Moctezuma, Dissatisfaction among Aztec subjects and Spanish alliances, Territorial expansion and the nature of warfare +12 more

    15 objectives15 subtopics

    Period Study: The Mughal Empire, 1526–1707

    Shah Jahan, the luxury of his court and the nature of his rule, Jahangir’s patronage of painting and the development of the Mughal miniature, Shah Jahan’s wars to extend the empire and the war of succession between Dara and Aurangzeb +12 more

    15 objectives15 subtopics

    British Depth Study: Britain in Peace and War, 1900–1918

    Ireland: differing attitudes to the Home Rule crisis, 1912–1914, Britain’s power and wealth at the beginning of the twentieth century: an overview of industry, empire, military strength, technology and cities, The challenge from militant labour including the crisis years between 1910 and 1914 +12 more

    15 objectives15 subtopics

    British Depth Study: The Elizabethans, 1580–1603

    The Puritan attack on popular pastimes, Imperial ambition: the motives and achievements of Elizabethan adventurers, Catholic links abroad, plots against Elizabeth, and the Elizabethan spy network +12 more

    15 objectives15 subtopics

    Period Study: The Making of America, 1789–1900

    The journeys of the early migrants to California and Oregon; the Mormon settlement of Utah, The growth of big business, cities and mass migration, The culture of the Native Americans of the Plains including a case study of the Lakota Sioux +12 more

    15 objectives15 subtopics

    History Around Us

    When and why people first created the site, Significant times in the site’s past: peak activity, major developments, turning points, The importance of the whole site either locally or nationally, as appropriate +10 more

    13 objectives13 subtopics

    British Depth Study: The Norman Conquest, 1065–1087

    First uprisings against Norman rule including resistance in the west and in Mercia, Northern resistance and William’s ‘Harrying of the North’, Domesday Book, its creation and purpose +12 more

    15 objectives15 subtopics

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