GCSE Exam Predictions 2025: Elizabethan England (Edexcel)

With the GCSE History exam approaching, many of you are probably wondering how best to focus your revision for the Early Elizabethan England paper (Edexcel Option B4, 1558-88). While nobody has a crystal ball, as your history teacher, I've spent some time looking closely at past papers to see if we can spot any patterns and make some educated guesses about what might be coming your way.

Think Smart, Not Just Hard: How We Look for Clues

Exam boards like Edexcel try to cover the whole syllabus over a few years. So, by looking at what questions have been asked recently – especially the big 12 and 16-mark ones – we can get a sense of what might be less likely to appear as a major focus this time around. We also look for important topics from the syllabus that haven't been the main subject of a big question for a while.

For example, in the 2024 paper, the main high-mark questions focused on the defeat of the Spanish Armada, the significance of the early Catholic threat, and why the first Virginia colony failed. While you absolutely still need to know about these crucial events, it's less probable that these exact questions will be the main focus of the 12 or 16 markers again this year.

Putting Topics on Your Revision Radar

Based on looking at the papers from 2020 to 2024, here are some areas that seem 'due' for a bit more attention, especially for those higher-mark questions. Think of this as focusing your spotlight, not turning off the lights elsewhere!

Those Other Plots! (Ridolfi & Throckmorton)

You know the syllabus mentions key challenges to Elizabeth, including plots. We've seen questions about the Northern Earls and the Babington Plot recently (though Babington was only a 4-marker focus). However, the Ridolfi Plot (1571) and the Throckmorton Plot (1583) are specifically named in the syllabus but haven't been the main subject of a 12 or 16-mark question in the last five years. Be ready to explain their features, aims, and significance. Don't forget Walsingham and his spies – their role is linked here and also seems under-explored as a main topic.

The Religious Settlement Itself (1559)

Elizabeth's 'Middle Way' in religion is fundamental. Recently, questions have focused on the challenges to it (Catholics in 2024, Puritans back in 2020). But what about the settlement itself? The specific features – the Act of Supremacy, the Act of Uniformity, the Royal Injunctions – and its immediate impact haven't been the core focus of a big question lately. Make sure you know the nuts and bolts of what Elizabeth actually did in 1559.

Why Did Poverty Increase?

This is a key social issue. In 2022, there was a 12-mark question on why the treatment of the poor changed. However, the syllabus also asks you to know the reasons for the increase in poverty and vagabondage in the first place (things like rising population, inflation, enclosure, bad harvests, the impact of monastery closures). This 'causes' aspect hasn't been specifically tested with a high-mark question recently, making it a strong possibility.

Drake's Round-the-World Trip (Circumnavigation 1577-80)

Sir Francis Drake pops up quite a bit! In 2023, a 16-marker looked at why exploration increased, mentioning Drake and technology. But his famous circumnavigation as a specific event – why he did it (trade, challenging Spain, glory?) and why it was significant (boosting England's reputation, bringing wealth, improving maps, annoying Philip II!) – hasn't been the direct focus of a recent big question.

Anglo-Spanish Rivalry – Fresh Angles

Relations with Spain are always a huge theme. But think about the specific angles. Recent big questions hit the Netherlands involvement (2023) and the Armada's defeat (2024). What about other parts of the story? The commercial rivalry (clashes over trade), the role and significance of privateering (Drake and others raiding Spanish ships), or Drake's daring 1587 raid on Cadiz ('Singeing the King of Spain's beard') haven't been the main event in recent high-mark questions and are crucial parts of the build-up to war.

Don't Forget the Golden Rules!

Cover Everything: These predictions are about likely big questions. The 4-mark 'describe features' question can come from anywhere in the syllabus. You need a solid grasp of the whole course.
Know Your Question Types: Practice answering the different styles: 'Describe', 'Explain why', and 'How far do you agree?'. Remember, the 16-marker needs a balanced argument looking at different factors and reaching a clear judgment.
Make the Links: History isn't just separate boxes. See how topics connect – religion links to plots, plots link to Mary Queen of Scots, Mary links to Spain, Spain links to exploration and the Armada... Understanding these connections makes your answers much stronger.
Use Past Papers: Get your hands on old questions and mark schemes. It helps you understand what examiners are looking for.

Final Word

Use these pointers to help prioritise and focus your revision sessions. Go over these potential 'gap' areas thoroughly. But remember, the best preparation is always to revise the entire Elizabethan England course comprehensively.

Good luck with your revision – you've got this!