What should I focus on for Edexcel GCSE History?

Always contextualise sources by linking them to your own knowledge of the period.

What should I focus on for Edexcel GCSE History? (2)

In interpretation questions, address both what is said and why it might have been said.

What should I focus on for Edexcel GCSE History? (3)

Use the mark scheme to understand the balance between analysis and knowledge; don’t neglect specific facts.

What should I focus on for Edexcel GCSE History? (4)

Plan longer answers to ensure your argument flows logically and covers multiple factors.

What should I focus on for Edexcel GCSE History? (5)

Ensure you can explain the 'why' behind changes, not just the 'what'.

What are common mistakes in Edexcel GCSE History?

Confusing provenance with content when evaluating source utility.

What are common mistakes in Edexcel GCSE History? (2)

Asserting rather than analysing interpretations, often just labelling them as ‘biased’ without explanation.

What are common mistakes in Edexcel GCSE History? (3)

Listing causes without linking them or explaining their relative importance.

History

Edexcel

GCSE

Specification: Pearson-GCSE-History

History develops your ability to analyse evidence, evaluate interpretations and construct arguments about the past. You'll explore significant events, people and societies while developing critical thinking skills.

Topics

Objectives

234

Exam Tips

213

Pitfalls

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Key Features

Analyse primary sources
Evaluate historical interpretations
Understand cause and consequence
Construct evidenced arguments

Assessment Objectives

AO1

45%

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the key features and characteristics of the historical periods studied

AO2

35%

Explain and analyse historical events and periods studied using second-order historical concepts.

AO3

15%

Analyse, evaluate and use sources (contemporary to the period) to make substantiated judgements, in the context of historical events studied.

AO4

15%

Analyse, evaluate and make substantiated judgements about interpretations (including how and why interpretations may differ) in the context of historical events studied.

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

Edexcel

State

1 mark

Give a single fact or term

Identify

1 mark

Name, select, or recognise

Outline

2 marks

Set out main features briefly

Describe

2-4 marks

Give an account of what something is like or what happens

Explain

3-6 marks

Give reasons with developed cause→effect chains

Compare

2-4 marks

State similarities AND differences (both required)

Analyse

6-9 marks

Examine in detail showing cause→effect→consequence chains

Evaluate

6-12 marks

Weigh up BOTH sides, reach JUSTIFIED conclusion

Assess

6-12 marks

Make judgments about importance with justification

Calculate

2-4 marks

Show formula→substitution→calculation→answer with units

Common Exam Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

•Confusing provenance with content when evaluating source utility.
•Asserting rather than analysing interpretations, often just labelling them as ‘biased’ without explanation.
•Listing causes without linking them or explaining their relative importance.
•Narrating events instead of constructing a focused analytical argument.
•Confusing the timeline of the Bloody Code with earlier or later periods.
•Failing to link the development of the police force to the specific context of the 19th century.
•Generalizing prison reform without referencing specific reformers like Howard or Fry.
•Ignoring the 'process of change' factors (attitudes, individuals/institutions, science/technology) when explaining developments.

Top Examiner Tips

Expert advice for exam success

•Always contextualise sources by linking them to your own knowledge of the period.
•In interpretation questions, address both what is said and why it might have been said.
•Use the mark scheme to understand the balance between analysis and knowledge; don’t neglect specific facts.
•Plan longer answers to ensure your argument flows logically and covers multiple factors.
•Ensure you can explain the 'why' behind changes, not just the 'what'.
•Use the case studies (Pentonville, Robert Peel) to provide specific evidence for broader thematic trends.
•Practice comparing the nature of law enforcement across different centuries to demonstrate understanding of continuity and change.
•When discussing the Bloody Code, focus on why it was introduced and why it was eventually phased out.

Specification Topics

18 topics

E2E stub topic

This subtopic introduces the foundational skills required for historical enquiry at GCSE level, focusing on the critical analysis of sources and the construction of reasoned historical arguments. Students will learn to evaluate evidence, recognise bias, and understand the significance of context when interpreting past events. These skills are essential for success in both written examinations and controlled assessments, enabling learners to engage with historical narratives in a rigorous and academic manner.

E2E stub subtopic

0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

Crime and punishment in Britain, c1000–present and Whitechapel, c1870–c1900: crime, policing and the inner city

This thematic study covers the development of crime and punishment in Britain from 1700 to 1900, focusing on changing definitions of criminal activity, the evolution of law enforcement, and shifts in the purpose and nature of punishment.

Crime and punishment in eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Britain, c1700–c1900, Crime and punishment in modern Britain, c1900–present, Whitechapel, c1870–c1900: crime, policing and the inner city +2 more

0 objectives22 tips22 pitfalls5 subtopics

Medicine in Britain, c1250–present and The British sector of the Western Front, 1914–18: injuries, treatment and the trenches

This topic covers the development of medicine in Britain during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries (c1700–c1900), focusing on changes in understanding the causes of disease, advancements in prevention and treatment, and the impact of key individuals and scientific breakthroughs.

Medicine in eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Britain, c1700–c1900, Medicine in modern Britain, c1900–present, The British sector of the Western Front, 1914–18: injuries, treatment and the trenches +2 more

0 objectives22 tips22 pitfalls5 subtopics

Warfare and British society, c1250–present and London and the Second World War, 1939–45

This thematic study examines the development of warfare on land in Britain from c1250 to the present day, focusing on the changing nature of warfare, the experience of combatants and civilians, and the impact of government, technology, and societal attitudes.

Warfare and English society, c1700–c1900, Warfare and English society, c1900–present, London and the Second World War, 1939–45 +2 more

0 objectives20 tips13 pitfalls5 subtopics

Migrants in Britain, c800–present and Notting Hill, c1948–c1970

This topic explores the patterns of migration to and within Britain during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, set against the backdrop of significant social and economic changes including the Industrial Revolution, urbanisation, transatlantic slavery, the growth of the British Empire, and evolving civil liberties.

Migration in eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Britain, Migration in modern Britain, Notting Hill, c1948–c1970 +2 more

0 objectives20 tips16 pitfalls5 subtopics

Russia and the Soviet Union, 1917–41

This topic covers the consolidation of Bolshevik power in Russia between 1917 and 1924, focusing on the early decrees, the Civil War, the transition toward totalitarianism, and the economic and social changes implemented under Lenin, including War Communism and the New Economic Policy.

The Bolsheviks in power, 1917–24, The revolutions of 1917, Stalin’s rise to power and dictatorship, 1924–41 +1 more

0 objectives17 tips17 pitfalls4 subtopics

Weimar and Nazi Germany, 1918–39

The Weimar Republic 1918–29 covers the origins of the Republic following the First World War, the challenges it faced from political extremism and economic crisis, its period of relative stability and recovery, and the significant changes in German society and culture during this time.

The Weimar Republic 1918–29, Hitler’s rise to power, 1919–33, Life in Nazi Germany, 1933–39 +1 more

0 objectives15 tips17 pitfalls4 subtopics

Mao’s China, 1945–76

This subtopic covers the development and implementation of economic policies in Mao's China between 1949 and 1965, focusing on agricultural reform, industrialisation through Five-Year Plans, the Great Leap Forward, and subsequent economic reforms.

Economic policy, 1949–65, Establishing communist rule, 1945–59, Life in Mao’s China, 1949–76 +1 more

0 objectives15 tips12 pitfalls4 subtopics

The USA, 1954–75: conflict at home and abroad

This topic examines the causes, nature, and consequences of US involvement in the Vietnam War between 1954 and 1975, including the escalation of the conflict, the tactics employed by both sides, the growth of domestic opposition, and the eventual end of the war.

US involvement in the Vietnam War, 1954–75, Reactions to, and the end of, US involvement in Vietnam, 1964–75, Protest, progress and radicalism, 1960–75 +1 more

0 objectives11 tips8 pitfalls4 subtopics

Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, c1060–88

This subtopic covers the consolidation of William I's power in England between 1066 and 1087, focusing on the methods used to secure the kingdom, the suppression of Anglo-Saxon resistance, and the structural changes to landownership and government.

William I in power: securing the kingdom, 1066–87, Norman England, 1066–88, Anglo-Saxon England and the Norman Conquest, 1060–66

0 objectives12 tips9 pitfalls3 subtopics

The reigns of King Richard I and King John, 1189–1216

This topic covers the social, political, and economic structures of England during the reigns of Richard I and John (1189–1216), focusing on the nature of feudalism, the role of the Church, the mechanics of royal government and finance, and the status of different social groups, including the Jewish community.

Life and government in England, 1189–1216, Involvements overseas, 1189–1204, King John’s downfall, 1205–16

0 objectives7 tips4 pitfalls3 subtopics

Henry VIII and his ministers, 1509–40

This topic covers the political, religious, and social developments in England during the first half of Henry VIII's reign, focusing on the roles of his ministers, specifically Cardinal Wolsey, and the king's personal style of government.

Henry VIII and Wolsey, 1509–29, Henry VIII and Cromwell, 1529–40, The Reformation and its impact, 1529–40

0 objectives12 tips12 pitfalls3 subtopics

Early Elizabethan England, 1558–88

This subtopic covers the initial challenges faced by Elizabeth I upon her accession in 1558, focusing on the nature of her government, the religious settlement of 1559, the subsequent challenges from Puritans and Catholics, and the political problem posed by Mary, Queen of Scots, up to 1569.

Queen, government and religion, 1558–69, Challenges to Elizabeth at home and abroad, 1569–88, Elizabethan society in the Age of Exploration, 1558–88

0 objectives12 tips12 pitfalls3 subtopics

Spain and the ‘New World’, c1490–c1555

This subtopic covers the consolidation and expansion of the Spanish Empire in the Americas between c1528 and c1555, focusing on the conquest of the Incas, the administrative structures of the empire, and the impact of the 'New World' on Spain.

The Spanish Empire c1528–c1555, Spain reaches the Americas, c1490–1512, The conquistadors, 1513–c1528

0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls3 subtopics

British America, 1713–83: empire and revolution

This topic covers the final stages of the American Revolution, focusing on the growing tensions between the American colonists and the British government from 1765, the outbreak and conduct of the War of Independence, and the consequences of the war for the USA, Indigenous peoples, and Loyalists.

The loss of an empire, 1765–83, A disrupted society, 1742–64, British settlement in North America, 1713–41

0 objectives12 tips12 pitfalls3 subtopics

The American West, c1835–c1895

This subtopic covers the final phase of the American West period, focusing on the transformation of the cattle industry, the end of the open range, the intensification of conflict between settlers and Indigenous peoples, and the final destruction of the traditional Indigenous way of life through government policy and environmental change.

Later developments in the West, c1876–c1895, The early settlement of the West, c1835–c1862, Development of the Plains, c1862–c1876

0 objectives8 tips8 pitfalls3 subtopics

Superpower relations and the Cold War, 1941–91

This topic covers the development of the Cold War from 1941 to 1958, focusing on the breakdown of the Grand Alliance, the emergence of ideological divisions, the formation of opposing military and economic blocs, and the intensification of tensions through early crises in Europe and the arms race.

The origins of the Cold War, 1941–58, Cold War crises, 1958–70, The end of the Cold War, 1970–91

0 objectives13 tips13 pitfalls3 subtopics

Conflict in the Middle East, 1945–95

This topic covers the emergence of the state of Israel between 1945 and 1963, focusing on the end of the British Mandate, the 1948-49 Arab-Israeli War, the subsequent refugee crisis, and the rising tensions leading to the 1956 Suez Crisis.

The birth of the state of Israel, 1945–63, Attempts at a solution, 1974–95, The escalating conflict, 1964–73

0 objectives8 tips8 pitfalls3 subtopics

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