November 2023 History subject update

GCSE History summer 2023 pre-recorded feedback

If you missed our Edexcel GCSE History summer 2023 feedback event you can now watch a pre-recorded version:

You can also download the training materials from both GCSE and A level History summer 2023 feedback events below:

Edexcel GCSE History paper timings survey

As part of our work to improve the student experience, we are considering increasing the time available for the Pearson Edexcel GCSE History papers. Recent feedback from students suggested this is an issue they would like us to address. We’d be very grateful if you could spend a few minutes completing this survey to give us more insight into this issue.

Pearson Edexcel International GCSE History - Assessment format survey

International GCSE teachers might know that we now offer a choice of modular or linear assessment for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE History. The current linear route remains exactly as it is, with all the exams taken at the end of the period of study. The modular route, which is only available for schools outside of the UK, breaks the journey into units with an exam at the end of each unit.

We’d like to hear from existing Edexcel International GCSE History teachers to find out your intentions for exam entries in 2024 so we can fully support you with your choice.

A level History coursework marking training

On 23 November 4-6pm we are running a coursework marking training live Q&A session for A level History teachers. 

To get the most out of this event, it is advisable to complete the pre-recorded Modules 1–3 in advance of this session.

Harris History TeachMeets

Harris History TeachMeets bring together teachers from across the country, providing high-quality CPD underpinned by the latest evidence-based practice.

The next Harris TeachMeet takes place on Wednesday 6 December, 4-5pm and focuses on History revision skills at KS4.

This online TeachMeet session will equip you with effective revision techniques and strategies which can be used with your Key Stage 4 History pupils. A range of facilitators will be sharing with you their innovative practice on GCSE revision, proven to be highly impactful with students. History revision lessons delivered by teachers combine multiple strategies, including retrieval and deliberate practice to engage students, whilst making information more memorable.

Women in the Anti-Apartheid Movement

The Anti-Apartheid Legacy: Centre of Memory and Learning have created a new education pack on women in the Anti-Apartheid Movement. Written with KS4 in mind, these resources are designed to be accessible, and are also useful for KS5 and KS3 students alike, providing an example lesson plan for teachers who wish to use them. They should be of interest to anyone teaching the history of South Africa as part of our International GCSE or A level History specification.

The Anti-Apartheid Legacy: Centre of memory and Learning will be launching more resources like this in the coming months. You can also listen to their excellent podcast series on the History of Apartheid which has been created to support A level History students.

New digital resources from National Archives

Crime & Punishment: This brand-new lesson on the foundation of the Metropolitan Police and Robert Peel is the result of a collaboration with Bethan Davies (University of Roehampton).

Migration History: This brand-new lesson on the 17th Century Huguenots is the result of a collaboration with Bethan Davies (University of Roehampton). See the fascinating ‘Round Robin’ document and an example of royal propaganda from James II amongst a range of sources.

The National Archives have also introduced a new aid to help teachers find resources for Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority histories on their website.

KS3 History topic of the month

Our latest KS3 History topics of the month focus on the Bristol Bus Boycott and Licoricia of Winchester.