AQA History NEA Exemplar: Examples of Excellent Non-Examined Assessments

AQA History NEA Exemplar: Examples of Excellent Non-Examined Assessments

Are you a student taking the AQA History Non-Examined Assessment (NEA)? Looking for inspiration and examples of what constitutes an excellent piece of work? You've come to the right place.

This page will provide you with a comprehensive guide to understanding the AQA History NEA and offer valuable insights into crafting an outstanding assessment. We'll cover:

• A detailed breakdown of the NEA requirements
• Examples of excellent NEA submissions
• Key tips and strategies for success
• AQA History NEA example questions for inspiration

Understanding the AQA History NEA

The AQA History NEA is a crucial part of your A-Level History course, accounting for 20% of your overall grade. It allows you to delve deeper into a specific historical topic of your choice, showcasing your research, analysis, and argumentation skills. The NEA is broken down into three main sections:

1. Research Question: The foundation of your NEA. This question guides your entire investigation and must be clear, focused, and historically relevant.
2. Historical Investigation: The core of your NEA. Here you will conduct independent research and critically analyze your findings, linking your evidence to your chosen question.
3. Written Response: The final product of your research. You must present your findings in a clear, coherent, and well-structured argumentative essay.

AQA History NEA Exemplar: Examples of Excellent Work

To better understand the expectations of the AQA History NEA, let's examine some exemplars of excellent NEA submissions. These examples demonstrate the following key qualities:

• Sharp and Focused Research Question: A clear and specific question that guides the entire investigation.
• Rigorous Research: Evidence from a wide range of sources, including primary and secondary materials, is meticulously analyzed and cited.
• Clear and Concise Argument: A well-constructed and structured essay that directly answers the research question.
• Critical Analysis: Findings are not merely presented but analyzed in depth, demonstrating the student’s understanding of the historical context.
• Effective Presentation: The essay is well-organized, with accurate formatting, referencing, and a bibliography.

It is essential to remember that these examples are provided as guidelines and inspiration. Your NEA should reflect your unique research and interpretations, reflecting your own voice and analytical skills.

AQA History NEA Example Questions: Sparking Your Interest

Need help formulating your research question? Here are some examples of AQA History NEA question prompts to get your creative juices flowing:

• To what extent did the Cold War impact the development of the European Union?
• How did the role of women in society change in Britain during the Industrial Revolution?
• Analyze the impact of propaganda on public opinion during World War II.
• Was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand the sole cause of World War I?
• Explore the social and economic consequences of the Black Death in 14th Century Europe.

These are just a few examples to stimulate your thinking. Remember, choose a topic that genuinely interests you, as this will make the research process much more rewarding.

Resource Guide for Success

To further support your NEA journey, here are some valuable resources:

• AQA Website: The official AQA website provides the NEA specification, assessment criteria, and other helpful resources.
• Textbook and Journal Articles: Utilize your textbook, library resources, and reputable online academic journals for comprehensive research.
• Online Databases: Explore databases like JSTOR, Project MUSE, and Google Scholar for scholarly articles and historical documents.
• Historical Archives: Discover primary source materials in online archives such as the National Archives.
• Your Teacher: Your teacher is invaluable for guidance, feedback, and support throughout your NEA process.

Remember, the AQA History NEA is a valuable opportunity to explore your passion for history in depth. By applying these tips, utilizing the resources available, and drawing inspiration from exemplary student work, you can craft an outstanding NEA that showcases your abilities and earns you a well-deserved high grade.