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A Level History Coursework Edexcel – A Guide

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• Post date November 16, 2023
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This guide shows you how to plan, research and write A Level History coursework for Edexcel using ideas, resources, examples and structure. This coursework is weighted towards Assessment Objective Three (AO3) 15% and Assessment Objective One (AO1) 5%. This makes it substantially different from coursework assessed under AQA or OCR. For Edexcel coursework, the focus is on differing interpretations of the past and analysis of them, alongside your own view of the events.

A Level History Coursework Edexcel – Ideas, Examples and Resources

Question Format – The question that you decide to answer for the Edexcel Coursework will always use the following template.

• Historians have disagreed about [ the chosen question, problem or issue ].
• What is your view about [ the chosen question, problem or issue ]?

Thus, we can see that there are two parts to this coursework:

• Part 1 – dealing with the historian’s viewpoints which is (AO3) and worth 15%
• Part 2 – your own viewpoint which is (A01) and worth 5%  

Question Ideas, Example and Selection

There are two key points to consider when selecting a question, problem or issue for your coursework.

• Is there enough debate around this question? – There needs to be a scholarly debate around the question or issue. This means differing views on the question from different historians. This makes it easier to select appropriate works to analyse and compare.
• Can you access the appropriate resources? – You must use a minimum of three different key works as well as two supplementary works. Your three key works should hold opposing views about the question or issue. Let’s look at an example question to make this clear:

Historians have disagreed about the extent to which by 1924 the Russian people had exchanged one authoritarian regime for another. What is your view about the extent to which by 1924 the Russian people had exchanged one authoritarian regime for another?

• View 1 – Tsarist Rule was more authoritarian. (C. Hill argues this)
• View 2 – Bolshevik rule was more authoritarian. (R. Service argues this)
• View 3 – The regimes were equally authoritarian. (R. Pipes argues this)

This is the ideal example of having three viewpoints that would be spread across the historiographical spectrum. This helps us to engage with the historical debate and hit the following criteria for the coursework:

• analyse ways in which interpretations of the question or issue differ.
• explain the differences you have identified.
• evaluate the arguments, indicating which you found most persuasive and why.

You would then add to this a minimum of two supplementary works, (more is better) that would assist in helping you form your view and add weight to your analysis and arguments. Critically, you must be able to access all these resources to use them effectively in completing the coursework.  

Coursework Resources

• Library – school, local, college, university – you should be able to borrow appropriate works.
• Teacher – your teacher should be able to provide you with copies of appropriate resources to use.
• JSTOR – www.jstor.org – contains a large collection of journal articles from historical publications covering numerous topics. These will often engage in the historical debate by replying to opposing views.
• Purchase Books – many second-hand books are available to purchase at very cheap prices through Amazon or similar sites.

A Level History Coursework Edexcel – How to Research and Write

Researching the Coursework – When researching our coursework we use the resource record form, which acts as a bibliography to the books, articles and online resources we are using. As we go through these resources we want to make notes that help us to identify the overall argument of the historian. Key quotes or passages should be noted down, alongside a reference. If we then use this material in our write up, we can add the appropriate footnote.

Writing the Coursework – When writing our coursework we need to be aware of the total word count as well as making sure that we hit all the assessment criteria. This means dividing up the 4000 words (maximum word count) effectively between the assessment criteria. An example structure to implement this is shown in the next section.

A Level History Coursework Edexcel – Structure and Planning

First section – introduction to the overall question and key works (c. 1000 words).

Introduction to the overall topic. You need to put the question into context by providing relevant information regarding what was happening at the time. You then need to define any key terms in the question.

Example from our question above – authoritarian regime would be defined as ‘a regime in which power is highly centralised and maintained regardless of popular support, with the use of repression and violence’.

Finally, you need to set out valid criteria by which the question can be judged.

Example from our question and definition above – we need to compare the Tsarist regime to the Bolshevik regime in terms of:

• Centralisation of power .
• Power maintained despite lacking popular support.
• Power maintained through repression and violence.

You should now have a complete introduction to the topic (1 paragraph)

Introduction to the debate by placing each of the key works in the historiographical debate. You can also place your supplementary works on the historiographical line here. (1 paragraph)

Set out the arguments in extended detail from the three key works. What are the historians’ views on this question? (1 paragraph)

Show how the arguments from each of the key works differ or are like one another. (1 paragraph)

Summary of the views of the key works. (1 paragraph)

Second Section – Explaining why the key works differ from one another (c. 1000 words)

Introduction – You need to set out three valid criteria to explain why the key works differ. Why is it that the historians’ arguments differ? There are several different potential criteria that could be used here: When was the work written? What sources and evidence did they use? Have they defined the key terms of the question differently? Have they defined the criteria to answer the question differently? Do they have different scopes of enquiry? What is the purpose of the work? What is the historians background and view?

Example from our question – The historians have defined the key term to answer the question differently – C. Hill has focused on authoritarian being defined as lacking popular support. R. Service is more focused on authoritarian being defined through repression. R. Pipes is mostly focused on authoritarian being defined as a centralisation of power.  

The historians have defined the key term ‘authoritarian’ differently. (1 paragraph)    

Paragraphs – This is where you use the criteria set out from the introduction to this section. You want one paragraph per item of criteria that we are judging the key works on.

Example from our question – one paragraph regarding how the historians have defined the key term ‘authoritarian’ differently.

Then you need to consider the three works in terms of the criteria set out for that paragraph. Show why there are differences in the key works regarding that criteria and how that leads the historian to arrive at their interpretation. Use evidence to support your points. (3 paragraphs – 1 for each criterion)

Conclusion – Brief conclusion that offers a summary of why the key works are different. (1 paragraph)

Third Section – Your own viewpoint on the question (c. 1000 words)

Brief introduction of your own viewpoint and line of argument that will be taken, remembering to re-instate the criteria by which the question can be judged . (1 paragraph)

Paragraphs that set out your own view on the question. This is where you should be using the criteria set out in your introductions. You want one paragraph per item of criteria.

Example from our question – one paragraph regarding ‘centralisation of power’.

Then you need to bring evidence and analysis to assess the criteria being judged. You can also use the key works and the supplementary works in this section to help you. (3 paragraphs – 1 for each criterion)

Conclusion that reaches a judgement on the question and follows your line of argument that has flowed throughout. (1 paragraph)

Fourth Section – Evaluation and Judgement of the key works and of the question (c. 1000 words)

Go through each of the key works and make a judgement on how convincing and valid the arguments from the historians are compared to the criteria. (3 paragraphs – 1 for each key work)

Form an overall judgement on the question and an overall judgement on which of the key works is most convincing. These should broadly align together. (1 paragraph)   

How To Improve Further at A Level History

Pass A Level History – is our sister site, which shows you step by step, how to most effectively answer any A Level History extract, source or essay question. Please click the following link to visit the site and get access to your free preview lesson. www.passalevelhistory.co.uk

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AQA A Level History

Tools to help you ace your exams, including: past papers, revision notes, and exam-style questions (organised by topic)

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• A-Level History

Revision Tips to Achieve A* in A Level History

Ever wondered about A-Level History success? Check this out: According to the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) , in 2022, 87.8% aced it, but in 2019, only 81% made the grade. 

Understanding the A-Level History Exam

Mastering the A-Level History exam begins with a clear comprehension of its structure and components. Let’s break it down:

Exam Structure:

The A-Level History exam typically comprises multiple components. Understand the weight each section carries to prioritise your focus.

Assessment Components:

• Source Analysis : This section assesses your ability to critically evaluate historical sources. Practice interpreting documents , maps , and visuals .
• Essay Writing: Essays demand in-depth historical knowledge, effective analysis, and a structured argument. Grasp the nuances of crafting compelling essays.

Key Focus Areas for Higher Grades:

• Depth over Breadth : It’s not about covering every era; it’s about mastering select topics thoroughly.
• Critical Thinking: Emphasise critical analysis of historical events, ideologies, and interpretations.
• Historiography: Incorporate differing historical perspectives and theories into your responses.

Creating a Strategic Study Plan

Crafting a focused study plan is the key to conquering your A-Level History exam. Here’s your roadmap:

Importance of Time Management:

• Prioritise Topics : Identify high-priority areas based on exam weighting and personal strengths.
• Allocate Study Time : Dedicate specific time slots to each topic, ensuring balanced coverage.

Personalised Study Schedule:

• Daily Goals: Set achievable daily goals to maintain steady progress.
• Variety in Study Sessions: Mix source analysis, essay writing, and note review for a well-rounded approach.

Balancing Content Coverage and Depth:

• Thematic Approach: Group related topics to enhance understanding and retention.
• Regular Review: Schedule periodic reviews to reinforce learned content.

Utilising Resources Wisely

To excel in A-Level History, harnessing the right resources is paramount. Here’s how to do it effectively:

Leveraging Textbooks, Databases, and Articles:

• Textbooks: Choose authoritative texts that align with your syllabus for comprehensive coverage.
• Online Databases: Utilise reputable databases like JSTOR or Google Scholar for in-depth research.
• Scholarly Articles: Incorporate recent scholarly articles to stay updated on historical perspectives.

Incorporating Primary and Secondary Sources:

• Primary Sources: Dive into firsthand accounts, documents, and artefacts for authentic insights.
• Secondary Sources: Reference scholarly works that analyse and interpret historical events for depth.

Making the Most of Study Guides and Examiner’s Reports:

• Study Guides: Supplement your notes with study guides tailored to your exam board for focused revision.
• Examiner’s Reports: Learn from past exams’ feedback to understand common pitfalls and refine your approach.

By strategically navigating these resources, you equip yourself with a well-rounded understanding of historical events. 

Perfecting Exam Technique

Unlocking the secrets to flawless A-Level History exam performance involves mastering strategic techniques. Here’s your guide:

Understanding Mark Schemes and Assessment Criteria:

• Detailed Review: Study past mark schemes to grasp how examiners evaluate responses.
• Assessment Criteria: Align your writing with specific criteria, ensuring targeted and precise answers.

Time Management During the Exam:

• Practise Time Trials: Simulate exam conditions to refine your pacing and allocate time wisely.
• Prioritise Questions: Tackle questions based on marks allocated; focus on high-value questions first.

Practising with Past Papers and Mock Exams:

• Realistic Simulations: Mimic exam conditions with past papers to enhance familiarity.
• Learn from Mistakes: Analyse errors in mock exams to fine-tune your approach and improve.

Embracing Continuous Improvement

Achieving A* excellence in A-Level History is an ongoing journey. Here’s how to ensure continuous improvement:

Regular Self-Assessment and Reflection:

• Review Progress: Regularly assess your understanding and identify areas for improvement.
• Reflect on Strategies: Evaluate the effectiveness of your study techniques and adjust as needed.

Setting Realistic Goals for Improvement:

• Identify Weaknesses: Pinpoint specific weaknesses and set realistic goals to address them.
• Measurable Objectives: Establish clear , measurable objectives for steady progress.

Adjusting Study Strategies Based on Performance Feedback:

Feedback Analysis: Analyse feedback from teachers and exams to refine your study strategies.

Adaptation : Be flexible; adjust your approach based on what works and what needs improvement.

Mastering A-Level History demands more than knowledge—it requires strategy . By understanding the exam, crafting a precise study plan , utilising resources wisely, perfecting exam techniques, and embracing continuous improvement, you’re primed for A* success. 

Stay committed, adapt, and triumph. Need personalised guidance? Connect with a top-notch A Levels History tutor at Study Mind. Contact us today!

How can I balance covering all historical periods without feeling overwhelmed?

Prioritise depth over breadth. Focus on key themes and events within each period, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding. This targeted approach ensures a deeper grasp of the material without overwhelming yourself with excessive details.

What’s the best strategy for managing time during the A-Level History exam?

Practise time trials with past papers to refine your pacing. Prioritise questions based on allocated marks, ensuring you allocate time wisely. This strategic approach maximises your efficiency and enhances overall exam performance.

Are study guides really beneficial, or can I rely solely on textbooks?

Study guides are invaluable supplements. While textbooks offer comprehensive content, study guides provide condensed, exam-focused insights. Combining both resources enhances your understanding, offering a well-rounded preparation for the A-Level History exam.

How can I stay updated on recent historical perspectives and interpretations?

Incorporate scholarly articles from reputable databases like JSTOR and Google Scholar. These sources offer insights into evolving historical perspectives, keeping your knowledge base current and demonstrating a nuanced understanding in your responses.

Is memorisation the key to success in the A-Level History exam?

Memorisation is crucial but not enough. Emphasise understanding, critical analysis, and the ability to apply knowledge to different contexts. A balanced approach ensures you not only recall facts but also demonstrate a higher-order understanding in your exam responses.

How do I overcome stress and anxiety during the A-Level History exam?

Implement stress-management techniques, such as deep breathing and mindfulness, to stay calm. Prioritise self-care in the days leading up to the exam, ensuring adequate rest and relaxation. Remember, a clear mind enhances your ability to recall and articulate historical knowledge effectively.

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Programmes & Qualifications

Cambridge international as & a level history (9489).

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Access to History for Cambridge International AS Level: International History 1870-1945

Endorsed by Cambridge Resources align to the syllabus they support, and have been through a detailed quality assurance process.

International History, 1870-1945 for Cambridge International AS Level History

Modern Europe 1750-1921 for Cambridge International AS Level History

The History of the USA, 1820-1941 for Cambridge International AS Level History

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AS and A-level History

• Specification
• Planning resources

Teaching resources

• Assessment resources

Introduction

• Specification at a glance
• 1A The Age of the Crusades, c1071–1204
• 1B Spain in the Age of Discovery, 1469–1598 (A-level only)
• 1C The Tudors: England, 1485–1603
• 1D Stuart Britain and the Crisis of Monarchy, 1603–1702
• 1E Russia in the Age of Absolutism and Enlightenment, 1682–1796 (A-level only)
• 1F Industrialisation and the people: Britain, c1783–1885
• 1G Challenge and transformation: Britain, c1851–1964
• 1H Tsarist and Communist Russia, 1855–1964
• 1J The British Empire, c1857–1967
• 1K The making of a Superpower: USA, 1865–1975
• 1L The quest for political stability: Germany, 1871–1991
• 2A Royal Authority and the Angevin Kings, 1154–1216
• 2B The Wars of the Roses, 1450–1499
• 2C The Reformation in Europe, c1500–1564 (A-level only)
• 2D Religious conflict and the Church in England, c1529–c1570
• 2E The English Revolution, 1625–1660
• 2F The Sun King: Louis XIV, France and Europe, 1643–1715 (A-level only)
• 2G The Birth of the USA, 1760–1801
• 2H France in Revolution, 1774–1815 (A-level only)
• 2J America: A Nation Divided, c1845–1877
• 2K International Relations and Global Conflict, c1890–1941 (A-level only)
• 2L Italy and Fascism, c1900–1945
• 2M Wars and Welfare: Britain in Transition, 1906–1957
• 2N Revolution and dictatorship: Russia, 1917–1953
• 2O Democracy and Nazism: Germany, 1918–1945
• 2P The Transformation of China, 1936–1997
• 2Q The American Dream: reality and illusion, 1945–1980
• 2R The Cold War, c1945–1991
• 2S The Making of Modern Britain, 1951–2007
• 2T The Crisis of Communism: The USSR and the Soviet Empire, 1953–2000 (A-level only)
• Component 3: Historical investigation (non-exam assessment) (A-level only)
• Scheme of assessment
• Non-exam assessment administration
• General administration

Why choose AQA for AS and A-level History

Helping students understand the significance of historical events.

Our AS and A-level History qualifications have been designed to help students understand the significance of historical events, the role of individuals in history and the nature of change over time. Our qualifications will help them to gain a deeper understanding of the past through political, social, economic and cultural perspectives. The engaging topics available to them throughout the course will provide them with the knowledge and skills they require to succeed as AS and A-level historians.

Flexibility of choice

• We offer teachers and students the choice of British, European, American and World history
• We have retained as much of the flexibility of our current specification as possible.

Well-resourced and popular topics

• After careful consultation with teachers and Higher Education, we have kept our most popular topics so you can re-use or adapt your departmental resources. We have also developed some new topics in response to teachers’ feedback
• We have worked closely with a number of publishers to produce textbooks that link directly to the specifications.

Teach AS and A-level together

• Our AS not only provides a strong stand-alone qualification, it is also fully co-teachable with the A-level
• Content for the AS and the first year of the A-level is identical
• The skills required for AS questions are closely linked to those in A-level questions
• We clearly articulate the skills and techniques that we expect students to display at AS and A-level as well as producing clear question papers and mark schemes

We’re confident that you will enjoy teaching the AQA specifications and that your students will be able to show what they know, understand and can do, mastering the craft of the A-level historian.

You can find out about all our History qualifications at aqa.org.uk/history .

Support and resources to help you teach

We know that support and resources are vital for your teaching and that you have limited time to find or develop good quality materials. So we’ve worked with experienced teachers to provide you with a range of resources that will help you confidently plan, teach and prepare for exams.

We have too many History resources to list here so visit aqa.org.uk/7042 to see them all. They include:

• sample schemes of work and lesson plans to help you plan your course with confidence
• specimen question papers and mark schemes
• guidance about source material and teaching resources
• training courses to help you deliver AQA History qualifications.

Preparing for exams

Visit aqa.org.uk/7042 for everything you need to prepare for our exams, including:

• past papers, mark schemes and examiners’ reports
• specimen papers and mark schemes for new courses
• exemplar student answers with examiner commentaries.

Analyse your students' results with Enhanced Results Analysis (ERA)

Find out which questions were the most challenging, how the results compare to previous years and where your students need to improve. ERA, our free online results analysis tool, will help you see where to focus your teaching. Register at aqa.org.uk/era

For information about results, including maintaining standards over time, grade boundaries and our post-results services, visit aqa.org.uk/results

Keep your skills up to date with professional development

Wherever you are in your career, there’s always something new to learn. As well as subject-specific training, we offer a range of courses to help boost your skills:

• improve your teaching skills in areas including differentiation, teaching literacy and meeting Ofsted requirements
• help you prepare for a new role with our leadership and management courses.

You can attend a course at venues around the country, in your school or online – whatever suits your needs and availability. Find out more at coursesandevents.aqa.org.uk

Get help and support

Visit our website for information, guidance, support and resources at aqa.org.uk/7042

You can talk directly to the History subject team:

E: [email protected]

T: 0161 958 3865