A LEVEL HISTORY A: Actual June 2025 PAST PAPER 1: African Kingdoms c.1400–c.1800
— Four Case Studies. All Assessment Questions & Mark Scheme [OCR Y209/01]
Exam Resource Summary
The A Level History A June 2025 African Kingdoms c.1400–c.1800: Four Case Studies Paper
(OCR Y209/01) provides a complete integration of the official examination paper with its
corresponding mark scheme, forming a precise, targeted revision tool. This paper examines
students’ knowledge and interpretative skills across four major African polities, typically including
the Kingdom of Kongo, Benin, Oyo, and Asante, exploring themes such as political structures,
economic systems, social organization, cultural achievements, and interactions with European
powers. Candidates must analyze primary sources, evaluate historians’ interpretations, and
construct balanced, evidence-led arguments that showcase both depth and breadth of understanding.
Each question is paired directly with examiner marking criteria, enabling students to see exactly
what is required for high-band responses, from analytical sophistication to contextual accuracy and
structural clarity. This integrated resource supports focused content revision, strengthens
comparative historical thinking, and equips learners with the skills needed for top performance in
the May/June 2026 OCR A Level History A African Kingdoms examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
Answer Question 1 or Question 2.
1
(a) Which of the following was of greater importance in the rise of the Songhay Empire?
(i) The collapse of the Mali Empire
(ii) Military factors
Explain your answer with reference to both (i) and (ii). [10]
(b)* Assess the impact of religion on the politics and society of Oyo in the period from 1608 to c.1800.
[20]
2
(a) Which of the following was of greater importance in the decline of Benin?
(i) Changing patterns of trade
(ii) Succession crises
Explain your answer with reference to both (i) and (ii). [10]
(b)* How important was the economy in the development of the Songhay Empire? [20]
END OF QUESTION PAPER
© OCR 2025 Y209/01 Jun25
— Four Case Studies. All Assessment Questions & Mark Scheme [OCR Y209/01]
Exam Resource Summary
The A Level History A June 2025 African Kingdoms c.1400–c.1800: Four Case Studies Paper
(OCR Y209/01) provides a complete integration of the official examination paper with its
corresponding mark scheme, forming a precise, targeted revision tool. This paper examines
students’ knowledge and interpretative skills across four major African polities, typically including
the Kingdom of Kongo, Benin, Oyo, and Asante, exploring themes such as political structures,
economic systems, social organization, cultural achievements, and interactions with European
powers. Candidates must analyze primary sources, evaluate historians’ interpretations, and
construct balanced, evidence-led arguments that showcase both depth and breadth of understanding.
Each question is paired directly with examiner marking criteria, enabling students to see exactly
what is required for high-band responses, from analytical sophistication to contextual accuracy and
structural clarity. This integrated resource supports focused content revision, strengthens
comparative historical thinking, and equips learners with the skills needed for top performance in
the May/June 2026 OCR A Level History A African Kingdoms examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
Answer Question 1 or Question 2.
1
(a) Which of the following was of greater importance in the rise of the Songhay Empire?
(i) The collapse of the Mali Empire
(ii) Military factors
Explain your answer with reference to both (i) and (ii). [10]
(b)* Assess the impact of religion on the politics and society of Oyo in the period from 1608 to c.1800.
[20]
2
(a) Which of the following was of greater importance in the decline of Benin?
(i) Changing patterns of trade
(ii) Succession crises
Explain your answer with reference to both (i) and (ii). [10]
(b)* How important was the economy in the development of the Songhay Empire? [20]
END OF QUESTION PAPER
© OCR 2025 Y209/01 Jun25
