Component 3: Historical Investigation

A personal study based on a topic of student's choice: 

• Witchcraze in Europe in the 17th century

• British Imperial policy in Colonial Africa 19th/20th century

This should take the form of a question in the context of approximately 100 years.

Assessed:

• 3500–4500 words

• 40 marks

• 20% of A-level

• marked by teachers

• moderated by AQA

Overall: 

Students must complete a Historical Investigation. This tests AO1, AO2 and AO3. The Historical Investigation must:

• be independently researched and written by the student

• be presented in the form of a piece of extended writing of between 3500 and 4500 words in length, with a limit of 4500 words

• draw upon the student's investigation of sources (both primary and secondary) which relate to the development or issue chosen and the differing interpretations that have been placed on this.

Assessment Objective

AO1: Demonstrate, organise and communicate knowledge and understanding to analyse and evaluate the key features related to the periods studied, making substantiated judgements and exploring concepts, as relevant, of cause, consequence, change, continuity, similarity, difference and significance (20 Marks)

AO2: Analyse and evaluate appropriate source material, primary and/or contemporary to the period, within the historical context. (10 Marks)

AO3: Analyse and evaluate, in relation to the historical context, different ways in which aspects of the past have been interpreted. (10 Marks)