WJEC GCSE History specification (3100)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC GCSE History 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 WJEC GCSE History 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 WJEC GCSE History (3100) 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 WJEC specification PDF.
Specification overview
The AQA GCSE History specification encourages students to become curious, independent learners who understand historical processes, periods and issues across a range of contexts. The qualification develops critical thinking, analysis, and evaluation skills by exploring diverse perspectives, causes and consequences of historical events, and how interpretations are formed. Through thematic, British, period and world depth studies, learners engage with key historical questions and use evidence effectively to construct well-supported arguments. It lays strong foundations for further study and informed citizenship:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Section A: Period Study (choose one)
- America, 1840–1895: Expansion and consolidation
- Germany, 1890–1945: Democracy and dictatorship
- Russia, 1894–1945: Tsardom and communism
- America, 1920–1973: Opportunity and inequality
Section B: Wider World Depth Study (choose one)
- Conflict and tension, 1894–1918: Causes and fighting of WWI
- Conflict and tension, 1918–1939: Peace-making and interwar crises
- Conflict and tension between East and West, 1945–1972: Cold War
- Conflict in Asia, 1950–1975: Korea and Vietnam
- Conflict and tension in the Gulf, 1990–2009: Iraq wars and terrorism
Section A: Thematic Study (choose one)
- Britain: health and the people, c1000–present
- Britain: power and the people, c1170–present
- Britain: migration, empires and the people, c790–present
Section B: British Depth Study including the historic environment (choose one)
- Norman England, c1066–c1100
- Elizabethan England, c1568–1603
- Restoration England, 1660–1685
- Edward I, 1272–1307
- Each includes a specific site study e.g. a castle or battlefield
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Understanding the modern world
- 1 hr 45 mins exam
- 84 marks including 4 SPaG
- 50% of GCSE
- Section A: Period Study
- Section B: Wider World Depth Study
- Questions include source analysis, causation, significance, interpretations
Paper 2: Shaping the nation
- 1 hr 45 mins exam
- 84 marks including 4 SPaG
- 50% of GCSE
- Section A: Thematic Study
- Section B: British Depth Study including historic environment
- Includes narrative, explanation and source questions
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Knowledge and understanding – 35%
- AO2: Explanation and analysis – 35%
- AO3: Source analysis – 15%
- AO4: Interpretation analysis – 15%
Other features
- All components externally assessed
- SPaG included in each paper (4 marks)
- One assessment series per year in May/June:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC GCSE History 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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