Guidance

History: grade descriptors for GCSEs graded 9 to 1

Updated 6 September 2017

Applies to England

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1. Grade 8

1.1 To achieve grade 8 candidates will be able to:

  • demonstrate relevant and comprehensive knowledge, using first order concepts, combined with a sophisticated understanding of key features and characteristics
  • construct a convincing line of reasoning using second order concepts
  • critically analyse and evaluate, to reach reasoned, substantiated judgements:
    • a range of sources, in context, to investigate historical issues
    • interpretations and why they may differ

2. Grade 5

2.1 To achieve grade 5 candidates will be able to:

  • demonstrate mostly accurate and appropriate historical knowledge, using first order concepts, combined with a clear understanding of key features and characteristics
  • construct a coherent line of reasoning using second order concepts
  • analyse and provide some evaluation, to reach reasoned judgements, of:
    • a range of sources, in context, to investigate historical issues
    • interpretations and why they may differ

3. Grade 2

3.1 To achieve grade 2 candidates will be able to:

  • Demonstrate generalised historical knowledge, using everyday language, and basic understanding of key features and characteristics
  • Construct a basic line of reasoning with some reference to second order concepts
  • Comprehend, to draw simple conclusions:
    • sources to provide some investigation of historical issues
    • interpretations to identify similarities and differences
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