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About GCSE History
GCSE History is taken at the end of Year 11 and asks students to do two things at once: know a lot of content, and handle sources and interpretations critically. It covers three eras, from medieval through early modern to modern history. Neither board sets coursework, so the whole grade comes from the exams. You can see how our GCSE tutoring works.
Both boards total 168 marks, and both award 8 of those marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar. They also use the same four assessment objectives, with 35% for knowledge, 35% for explanation and 15% each for source analysis and interpretations. Where they differ is the shape: AQA sets two papers of 2 hours, while Edexcel sets three, of 1 hour 20 minutes, 1 hour 50 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes.
The most important thing to establish is which topics your child studies. Both boards let the school choose from a menu of options, and AQA declares them at the point of entry. Two students taking the same board can sit completely different papers. We confirm the options before the first lesson, then work through the content alongside source and interpretation practice, using past papers and mark schemes.
Who GCSE History Is For
This course suits students who want a History grade they can rely on.
- Year 10 and Year 11 students sitting GCSE History this summer
- Students aiming for grades 7 to 9
- Learners who know the content but lose marks on source and interpretation questions
- Students who need more practice on building an argument that reaches a judgement
- Students who need help with the specific topics their school has chosen
GCSE History Exam Boards We Cover
Both boards total 168 marks, both award 8 marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar, and both use the same four assessment objectives, with 15% for interpretations. The difference is the shape and where the skills sit. AQA runs two papers of 2 hours. Edexcel runs three, and puts every interpretation question in Paper 3.
AQA
Two written papers of 2 hours and 84 marks each, worth 50% of the GCSE, for a total scaled mark of 168. Both papers have a Section A and a Section B worth 40 marks each, plus 4 marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar. Paper 1 is Understanding the modern world. Its Section A is a period study chosen from four options, and its Section B is a wider world depth study chosen from five. Paper 2 is Shaping the nation. Its Section A is a thematic study chosen from three, and its Section B is a British depth study chosen from four, which includes the study of a specific historic environment. Options are declared at the point of entry, so the papers are fixed once the school has chosen. AQA states that each section is worth 25% of the course, that the course runs to 120 guided learning hours, and that the historic environment alone is 10% of it, about 12 hours. History is not tiered, and there is no coursework.
Edexcel
Three written papers, for a total qualification mark of 168, of which 8 marks are for spelling, punctuation and grammar. Paper 1 is the Thematic study and historic environment, at 1 hour 20 minutes, 52 marks and 30%, where 16 of those marks are for the historic environment and 36 for the thematic study. Students take one of four options, including Crime and punishment in Britain, Medicine in Britain, or Migrants in Britain. Paper 2 is the Period study and British depth study, at 1 hour 50 minutes, 64 marks and 40%, split evenly between its two halves. Students take one British depth study from four and one period study from five. Paper 3 is the Modern depth study, at 1 hour 30 minutes, 52 marks and 30%. Students take one of four options, and the paper is built around provided sources and interpretations, which is where all 15% of the interpretation marks are assessed. Papers 1 and 3 each carry up to 4 marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar and Paper 2 carries none. History is not tiered, and there is no coursework.
How Centaurus Helps GCSE History Students Excel
Options Confirmed First
Both boards let the school choose the topics. We establish exactly which options your child sits before teaching begins, so no lesson is wasted on a paper they will never see.
Sources and Interpretations
Those two skills carry 30% of the marks between them. We practise them as exam questions every week rather than leaving them to revision.
Essays That Reach a Judgement
The top bands go to answers with a sustained argument. We teach a structure that produces one, under time.
Dates, Names and Causation
History rewards precision. We build the factual base in small, tested chunks instead of one long read.
The Historic Environment Covered
AQA examines it in Paper 2 and Edexcel in Paper 1. Either way it is a small, fixed chunk of content worth real marks, and it is often skipped.
Classes in Your Local Time
Live sessions scheduled around your time zone, so no late nights or early mornings just to make a class.
Why Centaurus Stands Out
Choosing the right GCSE History support makes a real difference. Here is how Centaurus Academy compares with typical online providers.
Meet our Team Of Experts
Our expert tutors bring deep subject knowledge and a passion for teaching — helping every student reach their full potential.
What Parents Say About Us
Hear from the parents and students who have experienced our personalised teaching first-hand.
Excellent long-term experience
We have an excellent long-term experience with the academy and Sir Awais. Our three children studied with them during different periods and succeeded well. We highly recommend the academy.
Excellent academy
Centaurus Academy is truly one of the best educational institutions I've come across. The environment is nurturing, the staff are incredibly dedicated, and the quality of education is outstanding. They focus not only on academic excellence but also on character building and personal growth. The teachers are supportive and go the extra mile to ensure every student feels confident and motivated.
My child has gained confidence
I'm very satisfied with the dedication and teaching approach. My child has gained confidence and improved significantly in understanding math concepts, thanks to the teacher's clear explanations and supportive guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions About GCSE History
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