GCSE (for first teaching in 2009) History B: Modern World - J417

Notice

Update to specification

The specification for this qualification has been updated. Vertical black lines indicate a significant change to Version 2 - November 2008. The change can be found on pages 9, 32, 38 and 47.

New GCSE History B Short Course

From last examination June 2010, GCSE History A Short Course will no longer be available - please see the new GCSE History B Short Course for further details. For more information, please read the full notice (PDF, 48 Kb).

Important information

From June 2009, Controlled Assessment materials for GCSE specifications will be available to download from the OCR Interchange website. To set up an Interchange user account please contact the Customer Contact Centre on 01223 553998.

Accessing Controlled Assessment Materials on Interchange user guide (PDF, 896 KB)

Popular documents

View all documents

PDF icon

Specification (updated 27 May 2009)

PDF, 599 Kb
PDF icon

Notice to centres - Information on the new specification

PDF, 24 Kb
Zip icon

Specimen assessment materials - All units

Zip, 31467 Kb
PDF icon

Summary brochure

PDF, 428 Kb

View all documents associated with this qualification.

View all documents

Overview

Please note that there are separate specifications for the short course and full courses, but the specimen assessment material for Unit A973 is applicable to both courses.

If you are already teaching History B you can compare current and revised specifications on the What are the changes? page.

Our new specification focuses on the turbulent history of the twentieth century, its key events, people, changes and issues. Viewing history from both a national and global perspective, students will learn about international relations, global conflict and the political development of key countries, and take a detailed look at changes in British society.

Benefits to you and your learners of teaching this qualification

  • An opportunity to study key historical events, people, changes and issues of history, in particular the 20th century.
  • A closer look at changes in British society, including the changing roles of women, changing patterns of ethnicity and how young people's lives have changed.
  • A view of history from national and international perspectives.
  • A detailed look at the most dramatic and troubled periods of human history.
  • An appreciation of how learning from past events can help improve the future.
  • An insight into international relations, global conflict and political developments in key countries.
  • In-depth studies of:
    • Causes and events of the First World War 1890-1918
    • Mao's China c1930-1976
    • End of Empire c1919-1969
    • The USA 1945-1975: Land of Freedom?
  • Qualifications supported by a variety of media resources.
  • The option to study a Short Course, offering more flexibility.

Ask a question

Do you have a question that is not covered here and needs subject specialist knowledge? If so please get in touch with our Customer Contact Centre.