How do you complete the Working as an Historian non-examined assessment (Unit 4)?
How to complete the WJEC Unit 4 Working as an Historian non-examined assessment: the source-based narrative task (using and evaluating a range of sources to build a supported account) and the interpretations task (analysing and evaluating why historians differ), under controlled conditions and worth 20 percent.
A focused guide to the WJEC Unit 4 Working as an Historian non-examined assessment, covering the source-based narrative task and the interpretations task, how each is built and evaluated, and how the NEA is assessed under controlled conditions.
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What this dot point is asking
This dot point covers Unit 4: Working as an Historian, the non-examined assessment (NEA) of WJEC GCSE History, worth 20 percent. You need to know its two tasks, the source-based narrative (using and evaluating a range of sources to build a supported account) and the interpretations task (analysing and evaluating why historians differ), and how the NEA is assessed under controlled conditions and marked by the centre, then moderated by WJEC.
What the NEA is
Task one: the source-based narrative
Task two: the interpretations task
How to approach the NEA
Try this
Q1. What are the two tasks in the Working as an Historian NEA? [Knowledge recall]
- Cue. A source-based narrative (using and evaluating a range of sources to build a supported account, AO1, AO2 and AO3) and an interpretations task (analysing why interpretations differ and judging which is more convincing, AO1, AO2 and AO4).
Q2. Explain how the source-based narrative task differs from simply telling a story. [Short explanation]
- Cue. The account must be built from and supported by a range of sources, referred to explicitly, and the sources must be evaluated for usefulness and reliability as they are used, so it tests source skills (AO3) as well as knowledge.
Exam-style practice questions
Practice questions written in the style of WJEC exam questions on this dot point, with worked answer explainers. The year tag is the paper they imitate, not the source.
WJEC Wales (NEA task)20 marksUsing the sources, construct a supported account of the chosen issue.Show worked answer →
The source-based narrative task (AO1, AO2 and AO3). Reward an accurate narrative built from, and tested against, a range of sources.
Build the narrative. Construct a clear, accurate account of the issue, organised logically.
Use the sources. Support the account with detail drawn from a range of sources, referring to them explicitly.
Evaluate the sources. Weigh the usefulness and reliability of the sources (content and provenance) as you use them.
Top marks. A supported, evaluated narrative that uses the sources as evidence, not just as decoration.
WJEC Wales (NEA task)20 marksWhy do historians' interpretations of this issue differ, and which is more convincing?Show worked answer →
The interpretations task (AO1, AO2 and AO4). Reward analysis of why interpretations differ and a supported judgement.
Explain the difference. Give developed reasons why the interpretations differ (evidence, emphasis, purpose, viewpoint).
Use own knowledge. Test each interpretation against accurate contextual knowledge.
Judge. Reach a clear, supported judgement on which interpretation is more convincing.
Top marks. A judgement built on own knowledge that weighs the interpretations, not just summarises them.
Related dot points
- The four-unit structure of WJEC GCSE History for Wales (two depth studies, a thematic study and the Working as an Historian NEA), their weightings and timings, and the four assessment objectives AO1 to AO4, including the compulsory Welsh dimension and where the SPaG marks fall.
A clear guide to the structure of WJEC GCSE History for Wales (specification 3100), covering the four units and their weightings, the four assessment objectives, the compulsory Welsh dimension and where the SPaG marks fall.
- How to answer the WJEC source questions (AO3): the comprehension question, the 'how useful is the source' utility question and the 'how far does a source support a view' question, using content and provenance (nature, origin and purpose) plus own knowledge to reach a judgement, without simply calling a source biased.
A focused guide to answering the source questions in WJEC GCSE History, covering comprehension, the 'how useful' utility question and 'how far does a source support a view', using content, provenance and own knowledge to reach a judgement.
- How to answer the WJEC interpretation questions (AO4): explaining why two interpretations of the past differ (evidence, emphasis, purpose and viewpoint), and judging which interpretation is more convincing or how far you agree, using own knowledge to argue both sides and reach a supported judgement.
A focused guide to answering the interpretation questions in WJEC GCSE History (AO4), covering why interpretations differ and judging which is more convincing, using own knowledge to argue both sides and reach a supported judgement.
- How to answer the WJEC describe questions (AO1, identify and develop features with precise support) and the explain questions (AO1 and AO2, developed analysis of causes or consequences linked to the outcome), and how to bring in the Welsh dimension where the question demands it.
A focused guide to answering the describe and explain questions in WJEC GCSE History (AO1 and AO2), covering developed features, causal analysis linked to the outcome, and bringing in the Welsh dimension where required.
- How to answer the WJEC thematic-study questions (AO2): analysing change and continuity across a long period, judging the significance of developments and turning points, and writing the extended essay with a balanced argument, a supported judgement and the Welsh perspective, on which the SPaG marks fall.
A focused guide to the thematic-study skills in WJEC GCSE History (AO2), covering change and continuity across a long period, judging significance, and writing the extended essay with a balanced argument, a supported judgement and the Welsh perspective.
Sources & how we know this
- WJEC GCSE History (Wales) specification (3100) — WJEC (2017)