GCSE

OCR GCSE History Revision

Adaptive practice aligned to the Oxford, Cambridge and RSA Examinations specification. 8 topics, exam-style questions, and instant AI feedback.

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About OCR GCSE History

OCR provides GCSE and A-Level qualifications with a strong academic heritage. Their specifications are developed in partnership with the University of Cambridge and are widely adopted across England.

GCSE History involves studying a range of historical periods, events, and themes. Depending on your exam board, you might cover topics like Medicine Through Time, Elizabethan England, the Cold War, Weimar and Nazi Germany, or the American West.

Topics in OCR GCSE History

1 Medicine Through Time

2 Elizabethan England

3 Weimar & Nazi Germany

4 Cold War

5 Norman England

6 American West

7 Source Analysis

8 Essay Technique

Study Tips for OCR History

Build a bank of key dates and link each one to at least two consequences. For example, do not just learn that the Reichstag Fire was in 1933 — know that it led to the Reichstag Fire Decree and the suppression of communist opposition.

Practise source analysis by asking yourself: Who wrote this? Why? What is their perspective? What is missing? These questions form the backbone of source-based answers.

Create timeline posters for each topic and stick them on your wall. Seeing events in chronological order helps you understand cause and consequence, which is tested heavily.

Write practice answers under timed conditions, especially for the longer essay questions. Being able to plan and write a structured argument in the time allowed is a skill that needs practice.

Exam Tips for OCR History

For essay questions, always plan before you write. A brief plan with three or four key points ensures your argument is structured and you do not forget important evidence halfway through.

When evaluating sources, do not just say a source is biased. Explain how the bias affects its usefulness or reliability for the specific enquiry in the question.

Pay close attention to how many marks each question is worth. A 4-mark question needs a different level of detail than a 16-mark essay. Match the length and depth of your answer to the mark allocation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many papers are in GCSE History?

This depends on your exam board. AQA has two papers, Edexcel has three, and OCR has two or three depending on the specification. Check your specific exam board for paper structure and timing.

Do I need to memorise dates for GCSE History?

Yes, specific dates are important as they demonstrate precise knowledge and help you sequence events correctly. However, you do not need to know every date — focus on the most significant ones for each topic.

What topics come up most in GCSE History?

This varies by exam board and the options your school has chosen. However, the British depth study, the period study, and the thematic study will all be examined, so you cannot afford to skip any topic.

Is GCSE History mostly essays?

There is a mix of question types including source analysis, short-answer questions, and extended writing. The longer essay questions carry the most marks and require a clear argument supported by specific factual evidence.