As a result of the introduction of modular specifications (overseas centres only) and onscreen assessment we now have many different entry codes available for this qualification. This update will aim to clarify each code to ensure centres are confident they are making the correct entries for students in the Summer 2024 exam series and beyond.

Linear International GCSE History specification 4HI1

This specification has been available for first teaching since September 2017, first assessment Summer 2019. The only change made recently was the introduction of a November exam series. All centres based in the UK who wish to enter for International GCSE History must enter for this specification (traditional or onscreen assessment). The entry code for this specification is 4HI1 and question papers contain all options and topics. 

Due to the number of entry options now available, the traditionally assessed linear papers (not onscreen or regional) now have the entry code '4HI1/A'.

Regional ‘R’ papers

In the summer exam series, we run ‘regional variants’ of the International GCSE History papers which have exactly the same assessment model but with different questions. Centres based in specified countries must use the alternative option codes, where applicable, as listed in this manual (for example, 4HI1 R is the entry code for the linear specification).

Pearson requires the following countries to use the alternative option codes: Australia, Azerbaijan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Oman, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and Vietnam.

The new November series does not require R papers. Instead, exams in this series will predominantly be scheduled in the AM slot (GMT) to ensure that centres can run exams at reasonable local times.

Onscreen assessment ‘C’ papers

From summer 2024 it will be possible for students to sit exams ‘onscreen’. Centres choosing the onscreen option select papers marked as ‘C’ in the title. Centres using both regional and onscreen papers select papers marked as ‘CR’. It is possible to sit a mixture of onscreen and traditional papers across Papers 1 and 2 and because there are a mixture of entry options there are several new entry codes available (ZA-ZF), as shown in the table below.

Summary of linear entry options

Modular International GCSE History specification 4XHI1

The new modular International GCSE History specification is only available for centres outside of the UK.

The specification is available for first entry Summer 2024, where centres can enter for Unit 1 (4WHI1) or Unit 2 (2WHI2).

As well as the standard entry options there are also additional regional variant ‘R’ codes for centres based in specified countries - see the section above on ‘Regional R papers’ for more information. As with the linear specification, we also have onscreen assessment options available, marked as ‘C’ in the title. Centres using both regional and onscreen papers select papers marked as ‘CR’.

In order to certificate and claim the full qualification centres will also need to enter for a ‘cash-in’ code (4XHI1). The first certification is Summer 2025 so the ‘cash-in’ code is not available in Summer 2024.

The following table contains a summary of the modular International GCSE History entry codes available for Summer 2024 exams.

Summer 2024 entry deadline

The deadline for making entries for the Summer 2024 examination series is 21 March 2024 for international qualifications. After these dates late entry fees may be charged. Please note that your exams officer will have their own internal deadlines in order to get the information necessary to make entries.

Past papers referring to options A and B

In 2021/2022 there were special covid measures in place which allowed centres to drop one topic which was in line with the UK GCSE History approach. To enable this we needed special versions of the question papers – A or B – depending on which topic was dropped. Examinations have since returned the normal full specification requirements (see Summer 2023 past papers as an example).

The introduction of the new entry code '4HI1/A' for the traditionally assessed linear papers (not onscreen or regional) does not relate to the use of these codes in 2021/2022. The question papers in Summer 2024 and beyond will contain all topics and questions as required by the specification and in line with the sample assessment materials.

I hope you found this update useful, however please do not hesitate to contact me if you need further clarification.