history ocr coursework examples

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OCR History Coursework Examples: A Guide for Students

Resource Guide

Introduction

Completing OCR History coursework can be a daunting task. It requires extensive research, critical analysis, and clear articulation of your arguments. To ease the process, this resource guide provides you with insightful examples of OCR History coursework, guidance on structure and content, and tips for achieving high marks.

OCR History Coursework Examples

A level history.

Here are examples of OCR History A Level coursework topics and potential approaches:

Example 1: The Cold War (1945-1991)

Topic: To what extent was the USSR responsible for the escalation of Cold War tensions in Europe between 1945 and 1962?

Possible Approach: Analyze key events, such as the Berlin Blockade, the Hungarian Uprising, and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Evaluate the role of Soviet leadership, ideology, and foreign policy in exacerbating tensions. Compare and contrast Soviet actions with those of the Western powers.

Example 2: The British Empire (1750-1950)

Topic: How effective were British attempts to maintain control of India in the 19th and 20th centuries?

Possible Approach: Examine the impact of British policies, such as the introduction of railways, education, and the administration of justice. Analyze the rise of Indian nationalism, the impact of World War II, and the process of decolonization. Assess the effectiveness of British strategies in maintaining control in the face of growing Indian opposition.

GCSE History

Here are examples of OCR History GCSE coursework topics and potential approaches:

Example 1: The Norman Conquest (1066)

Topic: How significant was the Battle of Hastings in the Norman Conquest of England?

Possible Approach: Analyze the battle's tactics and outcomes. Discuss the impact on English society, politics, and the development of feudalism. Consider the long-term consequences of the conquest, such as the introduction of Norman customs and language.

Example 2: The American Civil War (1861-1865)

Topic: Was the American Civil War inevitable?

Possible Approach: Examine the key causes of the war, including slavery, economic differences, and political tensions. Evaluate the role of key figures, such as Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis. Analyze the impact of events leading up to the war, such as the Compromise of 1850 and the Dred Scott decision.

Tips for Success in OCR History Coursework

• Choose a topic you are passionate about: This will make the research and writing process more enjoyable.
• Conduct thorough research: Use a variety of sources, including primary and secondary materials.
• Develop a strong argument: Your coursework should have a clear thesis statement and a logical structure.
• Use evidence effectively: Support your claims with specific examples and quotations.
• Present your work clearly and concisely: Use proper grammar and punctuation.
• Proofread your work carefully: Ensure that your writing is error-free.
• Seek feedback from your teacher: Ask for their guidance on your structure, content, and sources.

By studying these OCR History coursework examples and following these tips, you can confidently approach your own coursework with a solid understanding of the expectations and the skills necessary to succeed. Remember that the key to great coursework is thorough research, a clear argument, and effective use of evidence.

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History A-Level Coursework Exemplar Essay (Full Marks and Grade A* Achieved)

Subject: History

Age range: 16+

Resource type: Unit of work

Last updated

19 April 2024

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History A-Level Coursework Exemplar Essay (Full Marks and Grade A* Achieved).

Title: Muslim disunity was the most important reason for the success of the First Crusade. How far do you agree?

This resource contains a full mark A* coursework essay that was awarded this grade in 2022. Included is an introduction, establishment of criteria, theme analysis, primary sources, historical interpretations and interim/final judgements. Furthermore, footnotes and an extensive bibliography (Harvard) are also included in this 13-page resource. Also included is a workbook to help you plan your own coursework as well as some advice sheets from the examiners.

Please use this resource (PDF version) to aid your study and how to plan your essay, rather than copying the content. Despite this, the information could well be very useful if you are studying the Crusades and Crusader States at A-Level (OCR and AQA exam boards).

If you do have any questions regarding this resource, or the course in general, please do not hesitate to email [email protected]

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Exemplars from OCR with commentary- first one is FULL Marks

A level history a, sixth form (a levels), colfe's school - london, recommended for you, students also viewed.

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Qualification Accredited

ocr.org/history

Y100 - non examination assessed unit, summer 2017 examination series.

For first teaching in 2015

Exemplar Candidate Work

© OCR 2018 Essay title: Assess the factors responsible for the fall of the Western Roman Empire. AO1 L6 20/20, AO2 L6 10/10, AO3 L6 10/

© OCR 2018 Examiner commentary AO1: The opening paragraph places the events in context, puts forward an explained list of reasons for the fall and offers a view as to the most important factor. There is a detailed explanation of Gibbon’s view with a strong focus on the actual question and good supporting knowledge to back up the argument put forward. The response uses other interpretations either to support or challenge the line of argument pursued. Factors are evaluated so that the response does not simply produce a list of reasons. The arguments are balanced and the discussion of the factors is well developed. The analysis of the importance of Christianity is thorough and the depth of knowledge used in both the argument and evaluation is strong, while the focus on the actual question remains excellent throughout. When discussing the role of the Huns in the fall there is once again detailed knowledge and a well-focused argument. In discussing the issue of political stability, further interpretations are used to support the argument; these are used and not simply described and again are linked back to the actual focus and demands of the question. Once again the importance of the factor is evaluated and the response is much more than a list of reasons for the fall. In discussing the division of the empire the response continues to remain well focused and the argument is well supported with detailed knowledge. The conclusion reaches a developed judgement which is based on the argument pursued in the main body of the essay. The response is focused throughout and there are no weaker parts, the analysis is of a high level throughout and there are no descriptive sections. The factors discussed are evaluated and there is a well-developed judgement which would therefore reach the top of the highest level. AO2: Pliny is used to support the argument about the role of Christianity in the break up and fall of the Empire. Pliny is evaluated and both the strengths and weaknesses of his work are considered. Primary sources, such as Tertullian, are used to challenge the view about Christianity and again the source is evaluated. There is detailed discussion of the problems associated with using primary sources when dealing with the Huns and this is integrated into the evaluation of Heather. Primary sources, such as Paulinus, are not only used to support the argument, but are also evaluated in some depth and, most importantly, the conclusions drawn are linked back to the actual question. Not only is the provenance of the sources considered, but they are also evaluated using a good range of contextual knowledge. This is also seen in the discussion of St Jerome where again the source is explained and evaluated using both provenance and context. A wide range of primary sources are used and both their provenance and contextual knowledge are used to evaluate them in relation to the question, with the depth of knowledge ensuring the response goes to the top of the highest level. AO3: Even within the opening paragraph there is an evaluative discussion of Gibbon’s view, with contextual knowledge used to challenge it. The opening also evaluates the interpretation offered by Ott and therefore within the opening paragraph there have been two detailed evaluations of different interpretations. Gibbon’s view about the role of Christianity is also evaluated with contextual knowledge so that a balanced judgement is reached. The view of Heather and the role of the Huns are also considered and there is evidence of the use of a primary source to support his claim. MacMullen’s interpretation is also explained and contextual knowledge is used to support the view. The response has very full evaluation of a range of different interpretations and these are integrated fully into the response. Once again the level of contextual knowledge used takes the response to the top of the highest level.

© OCR 2018 Essay title: How historically significant was the siege of Bridgwater in 1645? AO1 L6 18/20, AO2 L6 9/10, AO3 L6 9/

• Introduction
• Multiple Choice

Subject : A Level History A

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What makes OCR A level history coursework great? Examples and tips

• 01 September 2024
• 11 minute read

An OCR A Level History coursework is more than just an academic demand; it offers students a precise chance to dive deeply into historical themes and events while developing their research and critical thinking skills. One of the most important things about this coursework is that it offers a great deal of flexibility. 

It is a general type of paper that requires students’ knowledge of history and their statements on a specific topic. With this course, students gain a sophisticated understanding of history and learn how to build reasoning and logic with support from a variety of primary and secondary references. 

In addition to training students for postsecondary education, this training gives them the tools they need for their future. This article offers 11 tips that will help you write an amazing OCR history coursework A level. By following these tips, you can easily craft high-quality coursework that meets your academic standards. 

But first, let’s get to know about this course;

What is the Goal of OCR A Level History Coursework?

The goal of OCR A Level History coursework is to combine critical analysis with historical knowledge. It teaches students how to assess historical data and make convincing arguments for their results. One of the requirements for this subject is OCR coursework. 

It involves an independently researched paper, typically between 3,000 and 4,000 words, on a historical topic of the student’s choice. This unit is considered a non-exam assessment. Students can use footnotes, but they do not count in the total word count. As history is a complex subject, completing this assignment is not easy for students. 

Therefore, many students ask experts to ‘ do my coursework for me ’ . However, by following the tips mentioned in this article, you can easily overcome this difficulty.  Let’s understand the grading criterion of this coursework. 

Assessment Criterion 

Through a single written assignment, the unit evaluates AO1, AO2, and AO3. 

• AO1 deals with knowledge and understanding of the topic. 
• AO2 is mostly concerned with evaluating primary sources. 
• A03 is concerned with evaluating secondary sources. 

11 Tips to Make OCR A Level History Coursework Great

Crafting a focused study plan is the key to conquering your OCR A level coursework history exam. Here’s your roadmap:

Choose Topic Wisely

Before writing anything at all, the most crucial thing to keep in mind is to choose your topic carefully. Compared to other assignment topics, finding the right one for your OCR A level history coursework is the most difficult. Also, it is important to consider the requirements of the assessment objectives when selecting the topic. There is a very clear link between the assessment objectives, the selection of topics, and the focus question.

There are different ways to choose the topic for your coursework

• One approach is to base titles on topics studied elsewhere in the course.
• Students can also select the topic of their choice based on their interests and motivation.
• The centres provide a list of recommended topics to students where they can research and gather more information. 

2. Resource Adequately

Each coursework assignment should ideally draw from ten or more primary (AO2) and secondary (AO3) sources. An OCR A level history coursework essay that presents only one primary historian’s point of view will not be well-received in AO3. 

On the other hand, a response is unlikely to receive a high score in AO2 if it simply draws on one or two primary sources. Therefore, if a subject becomes difficult to research, it can be worthwhile to reconsider! 

3. Understand Synopticity

It’s also crucial to keep in mind that this is a synoptic unit. So, you need to exhibit some comprehensive writing skills here. For instance, you must write in a pertinent manner, address your query, consider many interpretations, and reach a well-reasoned conclusion.

In addition, the ability to analyse and evaluate sources utilising provenance and expertise must be employed in coursework. Keep in mind that analysing primary sources is worth ten marks.

4. Focus on Assessment Objectives

As we have discussed the assessment criterion above, let’s now examine a few salient points related to every objective. here, the emphasis will be on recurring themes meant to encourage general advancements. , assessment objective 1 (ao1) .

• Make sure the descriptive story isn’t given too much credit. 
• Ensure your answers are pertinent to the inquiry. A response cannot be considered top-level if it loses focus and is not relevant to the question. 
• Stay concise and steer clear of lengthy, meandering paragraphs!

Assessment Objective 2 (AO2) 

• Make sure the grades you receive for evaluation are for evaluation only; it makes no difference how well someone explains a source if they haven’t evaluated it.
• The evaluation of any source should be based on skills that you have learnt for Unit 1 about “Provenance evaluation and the use of one’s own expertise”. 
• It means that instead of just simply writing general comments like “This is a good source because the writer was living at the time.” write a proper explanation of the evaluation. 
• “Hitler made the speech, and he was the leader and would know,” is an example of a general and basic review.
• Better to say: “Hitler may not have had actual intentions in mind, as the policy was still to force Jews to evacuate, but he was speaking at a time when war was approaching and passions were running high.”

Assessment Objective 3 (AO3) 

While the main points were identical to those in AO2, they also include:

• Students who only cross-reference historians won’t always receive much credit.
• Comments such as “Kershaw agrees with Evans” are one example.
• Contextual evidence and evidence that is maintained throughout the response constitute the only kind of evaluation that is ever going to be useful.

5. Plan and Structure

Writing a thesis statement that outlines the topic and provides background information is essential for making history coursework great. Readers should find the thesis statement compelling and memorable. Additionally, the paper needs to contain facts and supporting data related to the research topic. Data and policy papers can support the author’s arguments. An essay and a history assignment have a similar format. 

The OCR A level history homework question needs to be clear about which view is right and wrong. The supporting side, which must be supported by relevant historical evidence, will be the basis for the student’s conclusion.

Students should consider both primary materials and contextual knowledge to support their responses. They should also consider the types of questions that are asked on exams. Students need to ask questions that start with “To what extent” or “Assess the validity of a view.” 

6. Evaluate Sources Critically

For your OCR A Level history coursework, utilising primary sources can assist you in understanding the time frame when a specific event happened. Some primary texts may have multiple meanings. A paper explaining the 1854 cholera outbreak, for example, may be the main source of information about the incident, but it may also serve as proof of the disease’s progress and the escalating social unrest of the era. 

Even though they are not published, certain primary sources can still be located in archives. The 1912 journal was released decades later, while the University of Illinois’ 1930 expense book is a primary document that is only available in person.

Appropriate citation prevents plagiarism and raises the legitimacy of coursework. Learn about citation formats, such as MLA or APA, and make sure all of your sources are properly referenced. 

7. Balance Your Writing

To make your material understandable and clear, use signal words. Signal words are employed in texts to indicate the writer’s stance on different discourse units. In this case, the word “community” designates a connection between two textual elements, such as two distinct parcels of land and a manor house. The author can indicate to readers how these two sections of the text are meaningfully related by employing signal words. 

For OCR A level history coursework, it is essential to involve an introduction section, three to four main focus bullet points that answer the question and present a coherent argument, and, at the end, a conclusion section. Every introduction section should include three major things;

• A brief context
• Different points you will be making
• Your argument 

8. Ensure the Originality

Students need to avoid plagiarism issues and generate original work to make their OCR history coursework A level great. They also need to ensure that citations are added properly. Originality is an important part of coursework, papers, assignments, or any academic job. Therefore, students must focus on creating original, high-quality content that reflects their understanding and upholds academic integrity. 

Also, it is a very serious crime to copy someone else’s work without giving credit. If you properly credit the work you used, you can prevent it. By doing this, you show that you respect other people’s intellectual property and expand the credibility of their work. To guarantee the originality of your work, you can utilise plagiarism detection software and tools and learn suitable citation policies.

9. Proofread Thoroughly 

Students often make avoidable errors, such as ignoring formal structure, over-relying on inefficient and poor sources, or forgetting to proofread. Avoiding these errors needs diligence and a strategic technique for research and writing.

Students might not notice it’s essential to avoid writing incomplete phrases in history assignments. Essays that are poorly written and structured will be flagged up by markers. An OCR A level history assignment essay written to a high standard makes a much stronger argument and is much more compelling. 

Don’t forget to plan time for reading scholarly books, journal articles, and other materials. For this goal, use a range of resources and seek advice from an essay educator rather than relying just on websites hosted by your academy.

10. Seek Feedback

Ask for feedback from your reviewers or supervisors. You can also request coursework writers and editors to proofread your document to make it inch-perfect following your institution’s standards. Helpful criticism can give a new point of view and highlight different sections for quality enhancement. Involving in peer review sessions can offer practical suggestions and improve the quality of your OCR A level history coursework.

11. Real-World Applications

Understanding and excelling in OCR history A level coursework creative writing has real-world applications. The skills developed during this process are transferable to various fields, including:

• Academic Writing: The ability to conduct critical research and represent a set of well-structured arguments is very important in higher education.
• Professional Career: Clear and concise writing is very important and valued in many different professions, and it also helps you to increase your communication skills.
• Critical Thinking: Analysing literature like already done research work and data fosters critical thinking and analysis, a skill significant in problem-solving and decision-making.

OCR A Level History Coursework Mark Scheme

The OCR history A level coursework percentage or mark scheme outlines how your coursework will be assessed. There are key components such as assessment objectives, marking criteria, level of response, and synoptic assessment. Here is an assessment overview by the OCR ;

What is OCR A Level History Coursework Percentage?

Coursework includes 20% of the A level. It is created to grow students’ skills in the research and evaluation of arrangements and understandings of history. The table below provides a percentage and grading of the AS and A level  history coursework:

Is OCR the Hardest Exam Board A level?

No exam board should be easier or harder than another. While they have different paper formats and styles. The Ofqual makes sure each exam board is the same in terms of difficulty. For example, getting a grade 9 on the AQA Math exam should be the same challenge as a grade 9 with OCR. 

However, due to its high score contribution, students sometimes feel worried and look for expertise in this regard. Most students also acquire assistance with their cousework from professionals who have several useful resources. 

OCR A Level History coursework is an opportunity to explore history’s complexities and present scholarly arguments. By choosing the right topic, conducting thorough research, and adhering to academic standards, students can produce outstanding work. The journey not only involves acquiring historical knowledge but also mastering skills that pave the way for academic and professional success. 

The key lies in understanding the coursework’s requirements and putting forth a disciplined effort. This article offers guidelines for doing well on your History coursework, stressing the importance of meeting assessment goals on which the overall grading is based. 

Lastly, with the help of this guide, students can generate excellent coursework that not only satisfies academic requirements but also helps them develop critical skills for success in both their academics and professional careers.

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• A2 Unit F965 - Historical Interpretations and Investigations (H505)

OCR A-level History-Sample Coursework.

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This is a sample piece of coursework, which gained an 'A' (33/40) overall. It focuses on the political and social status of women in the Late 19th Century, while this may not be relevant for all topics, it is still useful having a sample piece so that you can see what skills are needed and how they...

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• Uploaded on October 16, 2020
• Number of pages 15
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• Examinator OCR
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• Unit A2 Unit F965 - Historical Interpretations and Investigations (H505)

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