AQA A-Level History: Strategies for Success in the 2026 Exams

ABOUT THIS COURSE

This course focuses on methods by which student performance in examinations can best be enhanced. The requirements of Component 1 and 2 questions will be considered in depth, exploring both common skills and the differing demands of each unit. Practical advice will be provided on strategies to ensure that the effective development of core historical skills are fundamental to departmental planning. We will examine the root causes of common mistakes students make during examinations and provide actionable guidance on how to avoid typical pitfalls. The role of Component 3 will also be considered in how this exhibits the synoptic approach to History and how this supports examination performance. Finally, we will examine a range of practical and useful revision techniques. Delegates will leave equipped with a comprehensive overview of how to maximise examination performance for students of all levels of ability.

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BENEFITS OF ATTENDING

• Gain valuable insight into what examiners are looking for in high level responses.
• Benefit from a detailed look at the differing demands of Component 1 and Component 2.
• Acquire ideas and strategies to develop high quality teaching methods and resources.
• Obtain an understanding of how to embed and progress the teaching of essential skills within an effective scheme of work.
• Find out more about potential barriers to progression and how to overcome these.

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PROGRAMME

10.00am: Analysing the most recent Examination Report feedback.

•  Identification of key areas for development and discussion of implications for classroom practice going forward.
• How to incorporate advice into the existing scheme of work.
• Developing an effective skills-based curriculum.

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10.40am: Break

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10.55am: Engendering strong approaches to Section A responses.

• Implications of the slow develop of key historical skills and engaging students in their appreciation of the application of historical skills.
• Enabling students to successfully access sources and interpretations.
• Identifying student misconceptions and implementing strategies to address and eliminate these misconceptions.
• Best practice in emphasising evaluation and analysis whilst avoiding formulaic responses.

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12.30pm: Lunch

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1.30pm: Enhancing performance in Section B essay responses.

• Challenges in interpreting questions. Ensuring the response fully addresses the question posed; appreciating the relevance of Historical significance.
• Developing essay skills; scaffolding, part paragraphs, skeleton essays, modelling, use of mid-band responses, structure strips, essay feedback strategies.
• Developing secure literacy and expanding use of historical terminology.
• Achieving depth or breadth of analysis.

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2.25pm: Break

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2.35 pm: The role of the NEA.

• Consideration of the most effective models for delivery of the NEA.
• Utilising the transferable skills acquired; understanding the nature of history as a discipline.
• Workable approaches to managing the NEA.

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3.10pm: Making the most of homework tasks and revision strategies.

• Embedding digital revision techniques.
• Effective strategies for revision which can be employed by students of differing levels of capability.
• How students can monitor their own skills progression and exam technique in homework and assessment tasks.

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3.35pm: Depart