2024_OCR - GCSE History B (Schools History
Project)
Migrants to Britain, c.1250 to Present with
The Norman Conquest, 1065–1087
Merged Question Paper & Marking Scheme
(Tuesday 4 June 2024 – Afternoon)
Code: J411/17
, Oxford Cambridge and RSA
Tuesday 4 June 2024 – Afternoon
GCSE (9–1) History B (Schools History Project)
J411/17 Migrants to Britain, c.1250 to present with The Norman
Conquest, 1065–1087
Time allowed: 1 hour 45 minutes
* 2 3 4 4 3 7 7 1 0 5 *
You must have:
• the OCR 12‑ page Answer Booklet
INSTRUCTIONS
• Use black ink.
• Write your answer to each question in the Answer Booklet. The question numbers
must be clearly shown.
• Fill in the boxes on the front of the Answer Booklet.
• Section A – Migrants to Britain, c.1250 to present: Answer Questions 1 (a–c), 2, 3
and either Question 4 or Question 5.
• Section B – The Norman Conquest, 1065–1087: Answer Questions 6 (a–b) and 7,
and either Question 8 or Question 9.
INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 80.
• The marks for each question are shown in brackets [ ].
• Quality of extended response will be assessed in questions marked with an asterisk (*).
• This document has 8 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
© OCR 2024 [601/8408/5] OCR is an exempt Charity
DC (ST) 345018 Turn over
,The GCSE (9–1) History B (Schools History Project) Exam Overview
Migrants to Britain, c.1250 to Present
This section explores the various waves of migration to Britain over a period spanning from medieval
times to the present day. The focus is on understanding the reasons behind migration, the experiences
of migrants, and the impact they had on British society.
Key Areas to Focus On:
1. Medieval Migration (c.1250–c.1500):
o Norman Conquest: The impact of the Norman Conquest in 1066, including the
movement of Normans to England and the establishment of feudalism.
o Jewish Migration: The movement of Jewish communities to England and their
subsequent expulsion in 1290.
o Huguenot Refugees: The arrival of French Protestants fleeing religious persecution in
the late 16th and early 17th centuries.
2. Early Modern Migration (c.1500–c.1750):
o The Role of Empire: The migration of people due to the British Empire, including the
transport of slaves from Africa and indentured laborers from India.
o Migration for Economic Reasons: Migration driven by economic opportunities in
Britain and the colonies, including the growth of industrial cities.
3. 19th and 20th Century Migration (c.1800–c.1950):
o Irish Migration: Large numbers of Irish migrants, especially during the Great Famine
(1845–1852).
o Migration from the British Empire: The influx of migrants from former British
colonies in the Caribbean, India, and Africa during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
o World Wars: The migration of people to Britain during and after the world wars,
including soldiers, refugees, and the Windrush generation from the Caribbean.
4. Modern Migration (1950s–Present):
o European Union Migration: The movement of people from Eastern Europe to the UK,
particularly after the expansion of the European Union.
o Refugees and Asylum Seekers: Migration due to global conflicts and persecution, such
as from Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq in recent decades.
o Economic Migrants: Movement of people from various parts of the world for
economic opportunities, including the rise of global cities.
Key Themes:
Reasons for Migration: Consider the economic, political, social, and religious reasons people
have migrated to Britain throughout history.
Impact on British Society: Examine how migrants have influenced British culture, economy,
and society, from enriching the workforce to influencing language and cuisine.
Challenges Faced by Migrants: Understand the difficulties migrants faced upon arrival, such
as discrimination, cultural differences, and integration.
The Norman Conquest, 1065–1087
This section focuses on one of the most significant events in British history: the Norman Conquest of
England in 1066. The focus will be on the causes, events, and consequences of the conquest.
Key Areas to Focus On:
1. Causes of the Norman Conquest:
, o Succession Crisis: The death of King Edward the Confessor in 1066 and the ensuing
competition for the English throne between Harold Godwinson, William of Normandy,
and Harald Hardrada of Norway.
o Battle of Stamford Bridge: The defeat of Harald Hardrada by Harold Godwinson and
how this weakened Harold’s position before the Battle of Hastings.
o The Battle of Hastings (1066): The decisive battle in which William of Normandy
defeated Harold Godwinson, leading to the Norman conquest of England.
2. The Reign of William the Conqueror:
o Feudal System: The introduction of the feudal system to England, including the
redistribution of land to Norman nobles.
o Harrying of the North: William's brutal campaign against northern England to quell
resistance, leading to widespread devastation.
o Domesday Book: The survey ordered by William to assess the wealth and resources of
England, which helped establish control over his new kingdom.
3. Consequences of the Norman Conquest:
o Cultural and Political Changes: The influence of Norman culture, including the
introduction of the French language in court and the impact on law and governance.
o Anglo-Saxon Resistance: The ongoing resistance to Norman rule, including rebellions
and uprisings in the years following the conquest.
o The Legacy: The long-term effects of the conquest on English society, particularly in
terms of land ownership, social structure, and language.
Assessment Overview:
The exam will include a combination of multiple-choice, short-answer, and essay-style
questions.
You may be asked to evaluate the significance of different factors leading to the Norman
Conquest and the impact of migration over time.
For the essay-style questions, you will need to provide detailed evidence and arguments to
support your responses.
Preparation Tips:
Link Themes Across Topics: Understand how migration patterns and the Norman Conquest
influenced British society in different periods of history.
Timeline Understanding: Make sure to have a clear understanding of the key events in the
Norman Conquest and the migration waves to Britain, including causes, major figures, and
long-term impacts.
Compare and Contrast: Be prepared to compare the migration of different groups to Britain
and the shifts in power during and after the Norman Conquest.
Use Evidence: In essay responses, support your arguments with specific examples and
evidence from the relevant time periods.
Good luck with your studies and exam preparation!
