A LEVEL
Specification
HISTORY A
H505
For first assessment in 2017
ocr.org.uk/alevelhistorya
,We will inform centres about any changes to the specification. We will also
publish changes on our website. The latest version of our specification will
always be the one on our website (ocr.org.uk) and this may differ from
printed versions.
Copyright © 2014 OCR. All rights reserved.
Copyright
OCR retains the copyright on all its publications, including the specifications.
However, registered centres for OCR are permitted to copy material from this
specification booklet for their own internal use.
Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations is a Company Limited by
Guarantee. Registered in England. Registered company number 3484466.
Registered office: 1
Hills Road
Cambridge
CB1 2EU.
OCR is an exempt charity.
, Contents
Introducing… A Level History A (from September 2015) ii
Teaching and learning resources iii
Professional development iv
1 Why choose an OCR A Level in History A? 1
1a. Why choose an OCR qualification? 1
1b. Why choose an OCR A Level in History A? 2
1c. What are the key features of this specification? 3
1d. How do I find out more information? 3
2 The specification overview 4
2a. Overview of A Level in History A (H505) 4
2b. Content of A Level in History A (H505) 5
2c. Content of unit group 1: British period study and enquiry (Units Y101 to Y113) 10
2c. Content of unit group 2: Non-British period study (Units Y201 to Y224) 35
2c. Content of unit group 3: Thematic study and historical interpretations (Units Y301
to Y321) 62
2d. Non exam assessment: Topic based essay (Unit Y100) 105
2e. Prior knowledge, learning and progression 106
3 Assessment of OCR A Level in History A 107
3a. Forms of assessment 107
3b. Assessment objectives (AOs) 108
3c. Assessment availability 108
3d. Retaking the qualification 109
3e. Assessment of extended response 109
3f. Non exam assessment: Unit Y100 Topic based essay – Non exam assessment
guidance 109
3g. Non exam assessment: Unit Y100 Topic based essay – Marking Criteria 110
3h. Synoptic assessment 113
3i. Calculating qualification results 113
4 Admin: what you need to know 114
4a. Pre-assessment 114
4b. Accessibility and special consideration 115
4c. External assessment arrangements 115
4d. Non exam assessment 115
4e. Results and certificates 117
4f. Post-results services 117
4g. Malpractice 117
5 Appendices 118
5a. Grade descriptors 118
5b. Overlap with other qualifications 118
5c. Avoidance of bias 118
5d. Examples of routes through the specification 118
5e. Title(s) Proposal Form 121
© OCR 2016
A Level in History A i
, Introducing…
A Level History A (from September 2015)
Our A Level History A specification provides a fantastic Meet the team
curriculum for your students to ignite and engage
We have a dedicated team of people working on our
their passions and interests. We’ve never thought
A Level History qualifications.
that there’s any one ‘correct’ approach to History as
a subject. It’s too valuable and simply too massive to Find out more about our History team at
be limited to a mere handful of approved options. ocr.org.uk/historyteam
As there is no core content in History, our vision is to
allow you to have as much professional freedom as If you need specialist advice, guidance or support, get
possible to approach the subject in your chosen valid in touch as follows:
way.
•• 01223 553998
This means your students will:
••
•• Study the history of more than one
country or state in addition to the study of •• @OCR_History
British history
•• Undertake a thematic study, covering
an extended period of history of
approximately 100 years
•• Explore a topic in history they have
an interest in through the coursework
element.
Our aim is to create independent learners, critical
thinkers and decision-makers – all personal assets that
can make them stand out as they progress to higher
education and/or the workplace.
© OCR 2016
ii A Level in History A
Specification
HISTORY A
H505
For first assessment in 2017
ocr.org.uk/alevelhistorya
,We will inform centres about any changes to the specification. We will also
publish changes on our website. The latest version of our specification will
always be the one on our website (ocr.org.uk) and this may differ from
printed versions.
Copyright © 2014 OCR. All rights reserved.
Copyright
OCR retains the copyright on all its publications, including the specifications.
However, registered centres for OCR are permitted to copy material from this
specification booklet for their own internal use.
Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations is a Company Limited by
Guarantee. Registered in England. Registered company number 3484466.
Registered office: 1
Hills Road
Cambridge
CB1 2EU.
OCR is an exempt charity.
, Contents
Introducing… A Level History A (from September 2015) ii
Teaching and learning resources iii
Professional development iv
1 Why choose an OCR A Level in History A? 1
1a. Why choose an OCR qualification? 1
1b. Why choose an OCR A Level in History A? 2
1c. What are the key features of this specification? 3
1d. How do I find out more information? 3
2 The specification overview 4
2a. Overview of A Level in History A (H505) 4
2b. Content of A Level in History A (H505) 5
2c. Content of unit group 1: British period study and enquiry (Units Y101 to Y113) 10
2c. Content of unit group 2: Non-British period study (Units Y201 to Y224) 35
2c. Content of unit group 3: Thematic study and historical interpretations (Units Y301
to Y321) 62
2d. Non exam assessment: Topic based essay (Unit Y100) 105
2e. Prior knowledge, learning and progression 106
3 Assessment of OCR A Level in History A 107
3a. Forms of assessment 107
3b. Assessment objectives (AOs) 108
3c. Assessment availability 108
3d. Retaking the qualification 109
3e. Assessment of extended response 109
3f. Non exam assessment: Unit Y100 Topic based essay – Non exam assessment
guidance 109
3g. Non exam assessment: Unit Y100 Topic based essay – Marking Criteria 110
3h. Synoptic assessment 113
3i. Calculating qualification results 113
4 Admin: what you need to know 114
4a. Pre-assessment 114
4b. Accessibility and special consideration 115
4c. External assessment arrangements 115
4d. Non exam assessment 115
4e. Results and certificates 117
4f. Post-results services 117
4g. Malpractice 117
5 Appendices 118
5a. Grade descriptors 118
5b. Overlap with other qualifications 118
5c. Avoidance of bias 118
5d. Examples of routes through the specification 118
5e. Title(s) Proposal Form 121
© OCR 2016
A Level in History A i
, Introducing…
A Level History A (from September 2015)
Our A Level History A specification provides a fantastic Meet the team
curriculum for your students to ignite and engage
We have a dedicated team of people working on our
their passions and interests. We’ve never thought
A Level History qualifications.
that there’s any one ‘correct’ approach to History as
a subject. It’s too valuable and simply too massive to Find out more about our History team at
be limited to a mere handful of approved options. ocr.org.uk/historyteam
As there is no core content in History, our vision is to
allow you to have as much professional freedom as If you need specialist advice, guidance or support, get
possible to approach the subject in your chosen valid in touch as follows:
way.
•• 01223 553998
This means your students will:
••
•• Study the history of more than one
country or state in addition to the study of •• @OCR_History
British history
•• Undertake a thematic study, covering
an extended period of history of
approximately 100 years
•• Explore a topic in history they have
an interest in through the coursework
element.
Our aim is to create independent learners, critical
thinkers and decision-makers – all personal assets that
can make them stand out as they progress to higher
education and/or the workplace.
© OCR 2016
ii A Level in History A
