The redesigned course which will be introduced in 2016 will aim to explore issues that explain conflict and social change in the modern day. At least 40 per cent of the course will be based upon British history, ranging from Norman England to the War or Terror.
Mike Charman, who heads AQA's History team, said: "History should help young people understand the world we live in today as well as the past. Topics like the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have a huge impact on today's news agenda and will continue to influence our lives for years to come. But of course students need to know about the more distant past too, so we're continuing to offer a wide range of topics already popular with students and teachers - ranging from medieval and early modern times to the First and Second World Wars."
The new course will also include a new section on the Historic Environment, where specific locations in the UK are studied to better understand its role in history. Sites that are to be included are the Tower of London, Longleat House, Conwy Castle and St Paul's Cathedral.
Charman commented: "The study of specific sites in the new Historic Environment section is an important development. While we won't make it compulsory to visit any of them, many schools and colleges will have sites close by and we're sure they'll find it a great way to bring the topic to life."
The new course is awaiting accreditation from The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual), the examination regulator.
In a survey by Schoolzone comprising over 500 secondary school teachers in the UK, commissioned by the British Heart Foundation, it has been found that 22 per cent of secondary schools are not teaching cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
A webinar hosted by LACA, the school food people, has opened up their Campaign Update Webinar to non-members in order to increase the reach of their mission to secure fairer free school meals funding
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has published a report which urges the government to take action to improve support for children and young people with special educational needs (SEN), as well as putting almost half of English councils in danger of effective bankruptcy within 15 months.
Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) have published guidance for their next visits that will look at how well children with special educational needs and/ or disabilities (SEND) are being supported.