History
GCSE History specification language amendments
This update is to inform teachers that we are updating some of the language used in our GCSE History specification, for first teaching September 2023, first assessment Summer 2025.
We have recently reviewed our GCSE History specification for sensitivity of language and identified a number of terms which are now considered outdated and problematic. We have therefore decided to update some of the language in our specification. The changes will come into effect for first teaching September 2023, first assessment Summer 2025. We intend to release Issue 4 of the Specification and Sample Assessment Materials to reflect these changes in late Summer 2023.
You can find a summary of the changes in language in the document below which includes track changes:
The following document explains the rationale for making these changes in detail:
These FAQs explain the rationale for the changes and how they will be reflected in examinations, as well as offering further support for teachers.
Further support
We will be running a live online event on Tuesday 5 September 2023, to run through the changes in a bit more detail and for you to ask questions and give us your feedback. You can book a place on this event by searching for GCSE History on our training page.
Coming soon: A level History language changes
We will also be updating specific language in our A level History specification and details of these changes will be provided in the Autumn term.
We hope the guidance and rationale for these language changes is clear and comprehensive, however please email me at teachinghistory@pearson.com if you have any questions.
Subject advisor
Mark Battye
History
![Mark Battye, History subject advisor Mark Battye, History subject advisor](/content/dam/demo/stuntcontent/images/support/support-for-you/subject-advisors/Mark_Battye_IMG_2366_crop.jpg)
Subject updates
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June 2024 History Subject Update
This update contains useful information, news and advice for Edexcel History teachers, including changes to the Edexcel GCSE History specification content for first teaching September 2024, first assessment Summer 2026. There is also an opportunity for you and your students to provide us with feedback on this summer’s exams.
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Edexcel GCSE History 2026 content changes
Following a thorough and comprehensive review of our GCSE History assessment model, we are now ready to move on to the next stage of improvements which focus on changes to the specification content. Issue 6 of the specification is now available on our website, for first teaching September 2024, first assessment 2026. This update is to inform you of the content changes we are making and to outline the guidance that is available to support you.