OCR GCSE History A specification (J410)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your OCR GCSE History A exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official OCR GCSE History A specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official OCR GCSE History A (J410) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official OCR specification PDF.
Specification overview
The OCR GCSE (9–1) History A (Explaining the Modern World) specification aims to equip learners with the skills to understand and explain key historical events, people and developments that shape the modern world. It encourages students to study a wide range of topics across different periods and places, including modern international relations, the relationship between the people and the state in other countries, and key themes in British history. The course promotes critical thinking, analysis of interpretations, and source evaluation. It also includes a study of the historic environment and promotes understanding of the relevance of history to contemporary society:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Period Study and Non-British Depth Study (Component Group 1)
Period Study: International Relations: the changing international order 1918–1975
- Versailles Settlement, League of Nations, 1930s tensions and appeasement
- Cold War: post-war Europe, Berlin crisis, NATO, Cuban Missile Crisis, Vietnam War
- Historical interpretations of appeasement and Cold War responsibility
Non-British Depth Studies (choose one):
- China 1950–1981 – Mao’s reforms, Cultural Revolution, Deng’s reforms
- Germany 1925–1955 – Weimar Republic, Nazi regime, WWII impact, post-war division
- South Africa 1960–1994 – Apartheid, resistance movements, end of Apartheid
- USA 1919–1948 – Roaring Twenties, New Deal, WWII social change
- USA 1945–1974 – McCarthyism, Civil Rights, Vietnam, feminism, political dissent
British Thematic Studies (Component Group 2 – choose one)
- Migration to Britain c.1000–2010 – reasons for migration, immigrant experiences, policy changes, multiculturalism
- Power: Monarchy and Democracy c.1000–2014 – monarchy, emergence of Parliament, civil wars, modern democracy
- War and British Society c.790–2010 – impact of wars on people, government and society, responses to conflict
British Depth Study and Historic Environment (Component Group 3 – choose one)
- J410/11: The Impact of Empire on Britain 1688–c.1730 with Urban Environments: Patterns of Migration
- J410/12: The English Reformation c.1520–c.1550 with Castles: Form and Function c.1000–1750
- J410/13: Personal Rule to Restoration 1629–1660 with Castles: Form and Function c.1000–1750
- Includes source work and contextual understanding of specific sites (e.g. Spitalfields or Kenilworth Castle)
Assessment structure
Component 1: Period Study and Non-British Depth Study
- Written exam: 1 hr 45 mins
- 105 marks total (65 for period study, 40 for depth study)
- 50% of total GCSE
- Includes outline, explanation, interpretation and source questions
- SPaG (Spelling, Punctuation & Grammar): 5 marks
Component 2: Thematic Study
- Written exam: 1 hr
- 50 marks
- 25% of total GCSE
- Four questions including essay and concept-based analysis
Component 3: British Depth Study + Historic Environment
- Written exam: 1 hr 15 mins
- 55 marks (35 for depth study, 20 for environment)
- 25% of total GCSE
- Assesses second-order concepts and source skills
- Includes additional 5 marks for SPaG
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Knowledge and understanding – 35%
- AO2: Explanation and analysis – 35%
- AO3: Use of sources – 15%
- AO4: Evaluation of interpretations – 15%
Exam Availability
- Single assessment series each year in May/June
- Linear structure: all exams at end of course
- Resits permitted; all components must be retaken
Key tips for success
Doing well in your OCR GCSE History A isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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