OCR History Specification: GCSE & A Level Breakdown

OCR History Specification: GCSE & A Level Breakdown

Are you looking for a comprehensive guide to the OCR History specifications for GCSE and A Level? Look no further! This resource will provide you with a detailed overview of the different OCR History courses, covering key information and valuable resources to help you succeed.

GCSE History Specifications

OCR offers a variety of GCSE History specifications, each focusing on different historical periods and themes. Here are some of the most popular options:

GCSE History A (J410)

• Focus: This specification explores historical events and developments from a range of periods, including the Tudors & Stuarts, the USA from 1865-1945, and the Cold War.
• Assessment: Assessed through three written papers: two on historical periods and one on a historical investigation.
• Resources: OCR GCSE History A specification

GCSE History B (J411)

• Focus: This specification offers a selection of historical topics, allowing students to choose from a range of themes and periods, including the Holocaust, Medicine Through Time, and the British Empire.
• Assessment: Assessed through two written papers: one on a chosen historical topic and one on a historical investigation.
• Resources: OCR GCSE History B specification

A Level History Specifications

OCR offers two A Level History specifications, providing further study in a range of historical periods and themes:

A Level History (H400)

• Focus: This specification emphasizes depth of study in two thematic options, each spanning across two periods, offering flexibility in choosing specific historical areas. Popular options include "The Rise of the West" and "The Making of the Modern World."
• Assessment: Assessed through three written papers: two on the chosen thematic options and one on a historical investigation.
• Resources: OCR A Level History specification

A Level History: International (H401)

• Focus: This specification allows students to study historical events and individuals from a global perspective, spanning across different continents and historical periods, such as the American Civil Rights Movement, the Indian Independence Movement, and the Cold War.
• Assessment: Assessed through three written papers: two on the chosen topics and one on a historical investigation.
• Resources: OCR A Level History: International specification

Resource Guide

To further aid your studies, here are some useful resources:

• OCR Website: Access specifications, sample assessment materials, and other valuable resources on the official OCR website.
• Textbooks: There are a variety of textbooks available specifically for OCR History specifications. Check with your teacher or local bookstore for recommended titles.
• Online Resources: Websites like Khan Academy and BBC Bitesize offer helpful videos and articles covering various historical topics.
• Past Papers: Practicing with past papers is crucial for exam preparation. Download them from the OCR website or search online.

We hope this guide has been insightful and informative. Good luck with your OCR History studies!