Edexcel GCSE History
Explore your course, one topic at a time.
Course overview
The PEARSON-EDEXCEL GCSE History specification covers 213 topics with 1521 learning objectives (1HI0). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.
- 213 topics
- 506 study pages
- 1521 learning objectives
Verified courseQuestions and notes checked against the official specification.
- 1,539
- verified practice questions
- 506
- verified teaching notes
- 213
- topics
Your exams
- Paper 1: Thematic study and historic environmentThursday, 20 May 2027, AM
- Paper 2: Period study & British depth studyFriday, 28 May 2027, AM
- Paper 3: Modern depth studyWednesday, 9 June 2027, PM
Always confirm dates and times with your exam centre.
| Paper | Time | Marks | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: Thematic study and historic environment | 80 min | 52 | 30% |
| Paper 1: Thematic study and historic environment | 80 min | 52 | 30% |
| Paper 1: Thematic study and historic environment | 80 min | 52 | 30% |
| Paper 1: Thematic study and historic environment | 80 min | 52 | 30% |
| Paper 2: Period study and British depth study | 110 min | 64 | 40% |
| Paper 2: Period study and British depth study | 110 min | 64 | 40% |
| Paper 2: Period study and British depth study | 110 min | 64 | 40% |
| Paper 2: Period study and British depth study | 110 min | 64 | 40% |
| Paper 2: Period study and British depth study | 110 min | 64 | 40% |
| Paper 2: Period study and British depth study | 110 min | 64 | 40% |
| Paper 2: Period study and British depth study | 110 min | 64 | 40% |
| Paper 2: Period study and British depth study | 110 min | 64 | 40% |
| Paper 2: Period study and British depth study | 110 min | 64 | 40% |
| Paper 2: Period study and British depth study | 110 min | 64 | 40% |
| Paper 2: Period study and British depth study | 110 min | 64 | 40% |
| Paper 2: Period study and British depth study | 110 min | 64 | 40% |
| Paper 2: Period study and British depth study | 110 min | 64 | 40% |
| Paper 2: Period study and British depth study | 110 min | 64 | 40% |
| Paper 2: Period study and British depth study | 110 min | 64 | 40% |
| Paper 2: Period study and British depth study | 110 min | 64 | 40% |
| Paper 2: Period study and British depth study | 110 min | 64 | 40% |
| Paper 2: Period study and British depth study | 110 min | 64 | 40% |
| Paper 2: Period study and British depth study | 110 min | 64 | 40% |
| Paper 2: Period study and British depth study | 110 min | 64 | 40% |
| Paper 3: Modern depth study | 90 min | 52 | 30% |
| Paper 3: Modern depth study | 90 min | 52 | 30% |
| Paper 3: Modern depth study | 90 min | 52 | 30% |
| Paper 3: Modern depth study | 90 min | 52 | 30% |
Explore your topics
213 topics
Paper 1: Thematic study and historic environment options55 topics
- Option 10: c1000–c1500: Crime and punishment in medieval England - 1 Nature and changing definitions of criminal activity2 specification points covering Crimes against the person, property and authority, including poaching as an example of ‘social’ crime., Changing definitions…6 objectives · 2 study pages
- Option 10: c1000–c1500: Crime and punishment in medieval England - 2 The nature of law enforcement and punishment2 specification points covering The role of the authorities and local communities in law enforcement in Anglo-Saxon, Norman and later medieval England,…6 objectives · 2 study pages
- Option 10: c1500–c1700: Crime and punishment in early modern England - 1 Nature and changing definitions of criminal activity2 specification points covering Continuity and change in the nature of crimes against the person, property and authority, including heresy and treason., New…6 objectives · 2 study pages
- Option 10: c1500–c1700: Crime and punishment in early modern England - 2 The nature of law enforcement and punishment2 specification points covering The role of the authorities and local communities in law enforcement, including town watchmen., The continued use of…6 objectives · 2 study pages
- Option 10: c1500–c1700: Crime and punishment in early modern England - 3 Case studies ● The Gunpowder Plotters, 1605: their crimes and punishment.Matthew Hopkins, the self-styled 'Witchfinder General', exploited the chaos of the English Civil War to lead intense witch-hunts across East Anglia between…3 objectives · 1 study page
- Option 10: c1700–c1900: Crime and punishment in eighteenth- and nineteenth- century Britain - 1 Nature and changing definitions of criminal activity2 specification points covering Continuity and change in the nature of crimes against the person, property and authority, including highway robbery,…6 objectives · 2 study pages
- Option 10: c1700–c1900: Crime and punishment in eighteenth- and nineteenth- century Britain - 2 The nature of law enforcement and punishment2 specification points covering The role of the authorities and local communities in law enforcement, including the work of the Fielding brothers.6 objectives · 2 study pages
- Option 10: c1700–c1900: Crime and punishment in eighteenth- and nineteenth- century Britain - 3 Case studies ● Pentonville prison in the mid nineteenth century: reasons for its construction; the strengths and weaknesses of the separate system in operation.Robert Peel played a pivotal role in 19th-century law enforcement and penal reform.3 objectives · 1 study page
- Option 10: c1900–present: Crime and punishment in modern Britain - 1 Nature and changing definitions of criminal activity2 specification points covering Continuity and change in the nature of crimes against the person, property and authority, including new forms of theft and…6 objectives · 2 study pages
- Option 10: c1900–present: Crime and punishment in modern Britain - 2 The nature of law enforcement and punishment2 specification points covering The role of the authorities and local communities in law enforcement, including the development of Neighbourhood Watch.6 objectives · 2 study pages
- Option 10: c1900–present: Crime and punishment in modern Britain - 3 Case studies ● The treatment of Conscientious Objectors in the First and Second World Wars.The 1952 Derek Bentley case was a watershed moment in the campaign to abolish the death penalty.3 objectives · 1 study page
- Option 10: The historic environment - 1 Whitechapel, c1870–c1900: crime, policing and the inner city5 specification points covering The local context of Whitechapel.15 objectives · 5 study pages
12 of 55 shown
Paper 2: British depth study options49 topics
- Option B1: Key topic 1: Anglo-Saxon England and the Norman Conquest, 1060–66 - 1 Anglo-Saxon government, economy and society2 specification points covering Monarchy and government.6 objectives · 2 study pages
- Option B1: Key topic 1: Anglo-Saxon England and the Norman Conquest, 1060–66 - 2 The last years of Edward the Confessor and the succession crisis2 specification points covering The significance and power of the house of Godwin.6 objectives · 2 study pages
- Option B1: Key topic 1: Anglo-Saxon England and the Norman Conquest, 1060–66 - 3 The rival claimants for the throne3 specification points covering The motives and claims of William of Normandy, Harald Hardrada and Edgar the Aethling., The Witan and the coronation and…9 objectives · 3 study pages
- Option B1: Key topic 1: Anglo-Saxon England and the Norman Conquest, 1060–66 - 4 The Norman invasion2 specification points covering The Battle of Hastings., Reasons for William’s victory, including the leadership skills of Harold and William, Norman and…6 objectives · 2 study pages
- Option B1: Key topic 2: William I in power: securing the kingdom, 1066–87 - 1 Establishing control3 specification points covering The submission of the earls, 1066., Rewarding followers and establishing control on the borderlands through the use of earls.9 objectives · 3 study pages
- Option B1: Key topic 2: William I in power: securing the kingdom, 1066–87 - 2 Anglo-Saxon resistance, 1068–71Anglo-Saxon resistance stemmed from loss of land and Norman abuses.3 objectives · 1 study page
- Option B1: Key topic 2: William I in power: securing the kingdom, 1066–87 - 3 The legacy of resistance to 10872 specification points covering The reasons for and features of Harrying of the North (1069–70).6 objectives · 2 study pages
- Option B1: Key topic 2: William I in power: securing the kingdom, 1066–87 - 4 Revolt of the Earls, 10752 specification points covering Reasons for and features of the revolt., The defeat of the revolt and its effects..6 objectives · 2 study pages
- Option B1: Key topic 3: Norman England, 1066–88 - 1 The feudal system and the Church3 specification points covering The feudal hierarchy.9 objectives · 3 study pages
- Option B1: Key topic 3: Norman England, 1066–88 - 2 Norman government3 specification points covering Changes to government after the Conquest.9 objectives · 3 study pages
- Option B1: Key topic 3: Norman England, 1066–88 - 3 The Norman aristocracy2 specification points covering The culture and language of the Norman aristocracy., The career and significance of Bishop Odo..6 objectives · 2 study pages
- Option B1: Key topic 3: Norman England, 1066–88 - 4 William I and the succession2 specification points covering Character and personality of William I and his relations with Robert, including Robert’s revolt in Normandy (1077–80).,…6 objectives · 2 study pages
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Paper 2: Period study options45 topics
- Option P1: Key topic 1: Spain reaches the Americas, c1490–1512 - 1 Spanish exploration3 specification points covering Spain c1490: the crusading spirit and foreign ambitions., Columbus’s attempts to gain sponsorship.9 objectives · 3 study pages
- Option P1: Key topic 1: Spain reaches the Americas, c1490–1512 - 2 Columbus reaches the Americas3 specification points covering Columbus’s actions: exploration of the Bahamas and the Caribbean.9 objectives · 3 study pages
- Option P1: Key topic 1: Spain reaches the Americas, c1490–1512 - 3 Spanish claims in the Caribbean3 specification points covering Columbus’s later voyages and his role as governor in the Spanish settlement.9 objectives · 3 study pages
- Option P1: Key topic 2: The conquistadors, 1513–c1528 - 1 The start of an empire3 specification points covering Balboa’s claim of Spanish authority over the Pacific (1513)., The conquest of Cuba., The voyage of Magellan and Spanish…9 objectives · 3 study pages
- Option P1: Key topic 2: The conquistadors, 1513–c1528 - 2 The conquest of Mexico3 specification points covering Cortes’s expedition to Mexico in 1519., Key events of the Spanish conquest of Mexico; the role of Montezuma, the war between…9 objectives · 3 study pages
- Option P1: Key topic 2: The conquistadors, 1513–c1528 - 3 Impact of Spain in the Americas3 specification points covering Cortes’s actions as Governor and Captain-General of New Spain (1523–28)., The consequences of the Spanish invasion for the…9 objectives · 3 study pages
- Option P1: Key topic 3: The Spanish Empire c1528–c1555 - 1 Pizarro and the conquest of the Incas3 specification points covering Contact with the Incas (1528); the significance of the death of Huayna Capac., The voyage of Pizarro (1530), and the…9 objectives · 3 study pages
- Option P1: Key topic 3: The Spanish Empire c1528–c1555 - 2 Expansion of empire2 specification points covering The role of the viceroys and encomiendas in the Spanish Empire.6 objectives · 2 study pages
- Option P1: Key topic 3: The Spanish Empire c1528–c1555 - 3 Impact of the 'New World' on Spain3 specification points covering The importance of gold and silver for the Spanish economy and to support Spain’s European empire., The impact on Spain of…9 objectives · 3 study pages
- Option P2: Key topic 1: British settlement in North America, 1713–41 - 1 Developments in colonial society3 specification points covering The impact of expansion and immigration on society: the pattern of settlement and tensions among social groups., Economic…9 objectives · 3 study pages
- Option P2: Key topic 1: British settlement in North America, 1713–41 - 2 Slavery in North America3 specification points covering The transatlantic slave trade and ‘Atlantic trade triangle’., The impact of slavery on the development of tobacco and rice…9 objectives · 3 study pages
- Option P2: Key topic 1: British settlement in North America, 1713–41 - 3 Problems within the colonies3 specification points covering Slave revolts in the Carolinas: the Stono Rebellion (1739); the significance of Spain’s decision to protect runaways in…9 objectives · 3 study pages
12 of 45 shown
Paper 3: Modern depth study options64 topics
- Option 30: Key topic 1: The revolutions of 1917 - 1 The growth of opposition to the tsar in early 19172 specification points covering Growing discontent among peasants and town workers., The impact of the First World War: military defeats; economic,…6 objectives · 2 study pages
- Option 30: Key topic 1: The revolutions of 1917 - 2 The February RevolutionThe February Revolution was triggered by immediate crises in Petrograd.3 objectives · 1 study page
- Option 30: Key topic 1: The revolutions of 1917 - 3 The Provisional Government3 specification points covering The establishment of the Provisional Government and the problems it faced, including ‘Dual Control’ and Soviet Order Number 1.9 objectives · 3 study pages
- Option 30: Key topic 1: The revolutions of 1917 - 4 The Bolshevik Revolution2 specification points covering Lenin’s return and activities, including the April Theses and the growth in support for the Bolshevik Party.6 objectives · 2 study pages
- Option 30: Key topic 2: The Bolsheviks in power, 1917–24 - 1 Early consolidation of power, 1917–183 specification points covering The early Bolshevik decrees of November–December 1917., The removal of opposition, including the Constituent Assembly and…9 objectives · 3 study pages
- Option 30: Key topic 2: The Bolsheviks in power, 1917–24 - 2 The Civil War, 1918–212 specification points covering The reasons for, key events and effects of the Civil War., The reasons for the Bolshevik victory, including the strengths of…6 objectives · 2 study pages
- Option 30: Key topic 2: The Bolsheviks in power, 1917–24 - 3 Moves towards totalitarianism2 specification points covering The Red Terror and the role of the Cheka.6 objectives · 2 study pages
- Option 30: Key topic 2: The Bolsheviks in power, 1917–24 - 4 Economic and social change, 1918–243 specification points covering Reasons for, and features of, War Communism.9 objectives · 3 study pages
- Option 30: Key topic 3: Stalin’s rise to power and dictatorship, 1924–41 - 1 The struggle for power, 1924–282 specification points covering The strengths and weaknesses of Stalin and his rivals (Trotsky, Kamenev, Zinoviev and Bukharin)., The reasons for the…6 objectives · 2 study pages
- Option 30: Key topic 3: Stalin’s rise to power and dictatorship, 1924–41 - 2 The use of terror in the 1930s3 specification points covering The reasons for, nature of and consequences of the purges, including the purges of the armed forces., The work of the secret…9 objectives · 3 study pages
- Option 30: Key topic 3: Stalin’s rise to power and dictatorship, 1924–41 - 3 Propaganda and censorship2 specification points covering Official culture, socialist realism, control of education and religion.6 objectives · 2 study pages
- Option 30: Key topic 3: Stalin’s rise to power and dictatorship, 1924–41 - 4 The Cult of Stalin2 specification points covering The meaning of the Cult of Stalin and reasons for its introduction., How the Cult of Stalin was achieved..6 objectives · 2 study pages
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About this course
About Pearson Edexcel GCSE History
Pearson Edexcel GCSE History offers a rich and varied curriculum that spans from the medieval period to the modern day, covering British, European, and world history. The course is designed to help you understand the key events, people, and changes that have shaped our world, while developing essential skills in analysis, evaluation, and source interpretation.
The specification is structured into three main papers, each focusing on different historical themes and periods. You will study a mix of thematic studies, period studies, and in-depth studies, allowing you to explore topics such as medicine through time, the Cold War, and the reigns of medieval monarchs. This structure ensures a balanced and comprehensive understanding of history, preparing you for further study and fostering a lifelong interest in the subject.
Assessment Structure
This qualification is assessed through three externally examined written papers, with no coursework or controlled assessment. Paper 1 is a thematic study and historic environment, worth 30% of the total qualification (52 marks), and lasts 1 hour and 15 minutes. Paper 2 is a period study and British depth study, also worth 30% (52 marks), lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes. Paper 3 is a modern depth study, worth 40% (64 marks), lasting 1 hour and 20 minutes. All papers require a mix of short-answer, extended-writing, and source-based questions, testing your knowledge, understanding, and analytical skills.
Why Choose Pearson Edexcel?
- Pearson Edexcel offers a diverse and engaging range of topics, allowing you to tailor your studies to your interests. For example, you can choose from options like 'Crime and Punishment in Britain' or 'The American West', giving you the flexibility to explore areas that fascinate you.
- The assessment structure is clear and straightforward, with a balance of source-based and knowledge-based questions. This approach helps you develop a range of historical skills, from source analysis to essay writing, which are invaluable for both exams and future academic pursuits.
- Edexcel provides extensive support resources, including free online materials, past papers, and examiner feedback, making it easier for you to prepare effectively and understand exactly what is expected in the exams.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Edexcel GCSE History and AQA GCSE History?
The main differences lie in the specific topics offered and the structure of the exams. Edexcel offers a choice of thematic studies, period studies, and depth studies, with a strong emphasis on British history. AQA also offers a range of topics but may have different combinations. For example, Edexcel's Paper 1 includes a historic environment study, which is a unique feature. It's important to compare the options available at your school and consider which topics interest you most, as both boards are equally respected.
How much coursework is involved in Edexcel GCSE History?
There is no coursework in Pearson Edexcel GCSE History. The qualification is 100% exam-based, with three written papers taken at the end of your course. This can be beneficial if you prefer to be assessed solely on your exam performance, as it removes the pressure of ongoing coursework deadlines. However, it means you need to be well-prepared for the exams, as they carry all the marks.
What topics can I choose for Edexcel GCSE History?
The Edexcel specification offers a wide range of options. For Paper 1, you can choose from thematic studies like 'Medicine in Britain, c1250-present' or 'Crime and Punishment in Britain, c1000-present', each with a linked historic environment. Paper 2 offers period studies such as 'The American West, c1835-c1895' or 'Superpower Relations and the Cold War, 1941-91', and British depth studies like 'Anglo-Saxon and Norman England' or 'Early Elizabethan England'. Paper 3 includes modern depth studies like 'Weimar and Nazi Germany' or 'The USA, 1954-75'. Your school will decide which options to offer, so check with your teacher to see what is available.
How can I revise effectively for Edexcel GCSE History?
Effective revision for Edexcel GCSE History involves a mix of active recall, practice questions, and source analysis. Start by creating concise revision notes for each topic, focusing on key events, people, and dates. Use flashcards for quick recall and mind maps to link ideas. Practice past papers under timed conditions to familiarise yourself with the question styles and mark schemes. For source-based questions, practise analysing sources for utility, reliability, and purpose. Finally, use the examiner reports and mark schemes to understand what examiners are looking for in high-scoring answers.
Is Edexcel GCSE History harder than other exam boards?
The difficulty of a GCSE History course depends largely on your personal strengths and interests, rather than the exam board itself. Edexcel is known for its clear structure and a good balance of source-based and knowledge-based questions. Some students find the breadth of topics challenging, but the specification is designed to be accessible. The key is to choose topics that genuinely interest you, as this will make studying more enjoyable and easier to remember. Ultimately, all exam boards are equally rigorous, and your success depends on your preparation and effort.
Assessment and exam guidance
Assessment Objectives
AO1
35%Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the key features and characteristics of the 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.
Exam Structure
Pearson Edexcel GCSE (1HI0)
Paper 1: Thematic study and historic environment
1h 20m
Duration
52
Marks
30%
Weighting
Paper 1: Thematic study and historic environment
1h 20m
Duration
52
Marks
30%
Weighting
Paper 1: Thematic study and historic environment
1h 20m
Duration
52
Marks
30%
Weighting
Paper 1: Thematic study and historic environment
1h 20m
Duration
52
Marks
30%
Weighting
Paper 2: Period study and British depth study
1h 50m
Duration
64
Marks
40%
Weighting
Paper 2: Period study and British depth study
1h 50m
Duration
64
Marks
40%
Weighting
Paper 2: Period study and British depth study
1h 50m
Duration
64
Marks
40%
Weighting
Paper 2: Period study and British depth study
1h 50m
Duration
64
Marks
40%
Weighting
Paper 2: Period study and British depth study
1h 50m
Duration
64
Marks
40%
Weighting
Paper 2: Period study and British depth study
1h 50m
Duration
64
Marks
40%
Weighting
Paper 2: Period study and British depth study
1h 50m
Duration
64
Marks
40%
Weighting
Paper 2: Period study and British depth study
1h 50m
Duration
64
Marks
40%
Weighting
Paper 2: Period study and British depth study
1h 50m
Duration
64
Marks
40%
Weighting
Paper 2: Period study and British depth study
1h 50m
Duration
64
Marks
40%
Weighting
Paper 2: Period study and British depth study
1h 50m
Duration
64
Marks
40%
Weighting
Paper 2: Period study and British depth study
1h 50m
Duration
64
Marks
40%
Weighting
Paper 2: Period study and British depth study
1h 50m
Duration
64
Marks
40%
Weighting
Paper 2: Period study and British depth study
1h 50m
Duration
64
Marks
40%
Weighting
Paper 2: Period study and British depth study
1h 50m
Duration
64
Marks
40%
Weighting
Paper 2: Period study and British depth study
1h 50m
Duration
64
Marks
40%
Weighting
Paper 2: Period study and British depth study
1h 50m
Duration
64
Marks
40%
Weighting
Paper 2: Period study and British depth study
1h 50m
Duration
64
Marks
40%
Weighting
Paper 2: Period study and British depth study
1h 50m
Duration
64
Marks
40%
Weighting
Paper 2: Period study and British depth study
1h 50m
Duration
64
Marks
40%
Weighting
Paper 3: Modern depth study
1h 30m
Duration
52
Marks
30%
Weighting
Paper 3: Modern depth study
1h 30m
Duration
52
Marks
30%
Weighting
Paper 3: Modern depth study
1h 30m
Duration
52
Marks
30%
Weighting
Paper 3: Modern depth study
1h 30m
Duration
52
Marks
30%
Weighting
Tips and common mistakes
Common Exam Mistakes
Pitfalls to avoid in your exams
- •Error: Confusing crimes against property with crimes against authority. Correction: Ensure theft is categorised as a property crime, while treason is a crime against authority.
- •Error: Stating that poaching was universally condemned. Correction: Explain that poaching was a 'social crime' widely accepted by the peasant community but punished by the authorities.
- •Error: Failing to provide specific examples for each category of crime. Correction: Always link the broad category (e.g., crime against the person) to a specific medieval example (e.g., murder).
- •Error: Claiming the Forest Laws only banned hunting. Correction: Note that the Forest Laws also criminalised gathering wood, foraging, and grazing animals in royal forests.
- •Error: Stating that the Murdrum fine was paid to the victim's family. Correction: Explain that the Murdrum fine was paid directly to the King, unlike the Saxon Wergild.
- •Error: Assuming crime definitions remained static after 1066. Correction: Emphasise that William I actively changed definitions of crime to assert his authority and raise revenue.
- •Error: Describing the parish constable as a modern, paid police officer. Correction: Emphasise that the parish constable was an unpaid, part-time role filled by local men for a year.
- •Error: Confusing tithings with the hue and cry. Correction: Distinguish tithings as a preventative group of ten men, while the hue and cry was the active pursuit of a criminal by the whole village.
Top Examiner Tips
Expert advice for exam success
- •When asked about the nature of medieval crime, explicitly use the categories: person, property, and authority.
- •Use poaching to illustrate the tension between the laws made by the rich and the survival needs of the poor.
- •Be prepared to explain why social crimes were particularly difficult for medieval authorities to police.
- •Use the Forest Laws as a prime example of how a change in government (the Norman Conquest) directly changes what is defined as a crime.
- •Link the introduction of new crimes to William I's need to control a rebellious Anglo-Saxon population.
- •Contrast the Norman approach to crime with the previous Anglo-Saxon system to highlight the changes.
- •Emphasise the concept of 'collective responsibility' when discussing tithings and the hue and cry.
- •Use the parish constable to demonstrate change over time in later medieval law enforcement.
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