Exam SpecificationsOCR GCSE History B (Schools History Project) Specifications

OCR GCSE History B (Schools History Project) specification (J411)

Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your OCR GCSE History B (Schools History Project) 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.

OCR GCSE History B (Schools History Project)Specification PDF
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official OCR GCSE History B (Schools History Project) 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

  1. 1. Specification Overview
  2. 2. Subject Content Breakdown
  3. 3. Assessment Structure
  4. 4. Key tips for success
  5. 5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Disclaimer

This page includes a summary of the official OCR GCSE History B (Schools History Project) (J411) 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.

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Specification overview

OCR’s GCSE (9–1) History B (Schools History Project) is designed to inspire learners by encouraging them to ask questions about the past and engage with diverse historical issues and interpretations. Built on the SHP philosophy, the course emphasises curiosity, critical thinking, and evidence-based understanding. It promotes depth and breadth through studies of local, British, and world history, incorporating political, social, cultural, and religious themes. The course helps students develop historical knowledge, analytical skills, and an appreciation of diverse experiences across time, encouraging meaningful connections between the past and present:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.

Subject content breakdown

Component Group 1: British History

Thematic Study (choose one)

  • The People’s Health, c.1250 to present: Living conditions, epidemic responses, public health improvements
  • Crime and Punishment, c.1250 to present: Types of crime, law enforcement, punishments
  • Migrants to Britain, c.1250 to present: Reasons for migration, migrant experiences, impact on Britain

British Depth Study (choose one)

  • The Norman Conquest, 1065–1087: Anglo-Saxon and Norman society, conquest and resistance, castles, Domesday Book
  • The Elizabethans, 1580–1603: Elizabeth’s power, Catholics, daily life, culture, imperial ambition
  • Britain in Peace and War, 1900–1918: Wealth, political change, suffrage, empire, response to war

Component Group 2: History Around Us

  • Study of a historic site chosen by the centre
  • Analysis of its physical remains, usage, significance, and interpretation

Component Group 3: World History

Period Study (choose one)

  • Viking Expansion, c.750–c.1050: Scandinavian origins, trade, conquest, settlement, empire
  • The Mughal Empire, 1526–1707: Key emperors, administration, religion, culture, decline
  • The Making of America, 1789–1900: Expansion, slavery, Civil War, migration, indigenous experience

World Depth Study (choose one)

  • The First Crusade, c.1070–1100: Causes, events, conflicts, Jerusalem capture
  • Aztecs and the Spanish Conquest, 1519–1535: Moctezuma’s empire, Spanish invasion, New Spain
  • Living under Nazi Rule, 1933–1945: Dictatorship, control, war impact, occupation, Holocaust

Restrictions

  • Depth studies must be from different eras (medieval, early modern, modern):contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.

Assessment structure

Component 1: Thematic Study and British Depth Study (Paper 1)

  • 1 hr 45 mins written exam
  • 80 marks (40 for each study)
  • 40% of GCSE
  • Thematic study: factual recall, narrative summary, explanation, evaluative judgement
  • British depth study: source analysis, evaluation of interpretations, historical judgement

Component 2: History Around Us (Paper 2)

  • 1 hr written exam
  • 40 marks + 10 marks for SPaG
  • 20% of GCSE
  • Two questions based on the centre-chosen site
  • Assesses knowledge, understanding, and evaluation of site features

Component 3: Period Study and World Depth Study (Paper 3)

  • 1 hr 45 mins written exam
  • 80 marks (40 for each study)
  • 40% of GCSE
  • Period study: recall, summary, explanation, evaluation
  • World depth study: source analysis, interpretation comparison, evaluative judgement

Assessment Objectives

  • AO1: Knowledge and understanding – 35%
  • AO2: Explanation and analysis – 35%
  • AO3: Use of sources – 15%
  • AO4: Interpretations – 15%

Additional

  • 10 marks allocated to SPaG
  • One assessment series per year (May/June)
  • All components externally assessed at the end of the course:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.

Key tips for success

Doing well in your OCR GCSE History B (Schools History Project) 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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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You can download the official specification directly from the OCR website, or right here on this page using the PDF Specification Download button. Alongside the specification, we've made it easy to access all the essential revision resources you'll need, including topic summaries, past papers, and exam-style practice questions, all matched to the current specification.
Treat the specification like a checklist. Use it to track your progress, identify areas that need more work, and ensure you're covering everything that might appear in the exam. Our linked resources for each topic will help you revise more effectively.
Always refer to the Exam Code and First Teaching Year shown at the top of this page. These details confirm which version of the specification you're studying. If your course or materials refer to a different code, double-check with your teacher or exam centre.