1. NET History Exam Skills5
Grab a
Grade

2. Interpretations - Questions

3. Assessment objective weightings for GCSE History
Assessment objectives
(AOs)
Criteria
Overall weighting (approx. %)
AO1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the key features and characteristics of the periods studied. 35
AO2
Explain and analyse historical events and periods studied using second-order historical concepts.
AO3
Analyse, evaluate and use sources (contemporary to the period) to make substantiated judgements, in the context of historical events studied. 15
AO4
Analyse, evaluate and make substantiated judgements about interpretations (including how and why interpretations may differ) in the context of historical events studied.

4. AO4 Interpretations of history
An interpretation is an attempt to portray and/or make meaning of the past using evidence, that is, a deliberate construct created after the event(s). (This can include both academic and non-academic interpretations.)
Sources (AO3) are the evidence – the building blocks.
Interpretations are the ‘house’ – the finished construct – what we have made of the building blocks.

5. Section 2: Understanding AO3 and AO4
Interpretations are written after the event – could be as little as 5 years!
AO3
Students need to analyse, evaluate and use sources to make substantiated judgements in the context of historical events studied
AO4
Students need to analyse, evaluate and make substantiated judgements about interpretations in the context of historical events studied
Provenance
Use author, place, the time it was created etc. to determine purpose
Analysis of content
What is the source/interpretation saying? What is the message or inference?
Historical context
How does the source/interpretation relate to their contextual knowledge of the historical period (2 facts needed to validate it)