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.
A report from Ofsted has revealed that primary schools are having to teach infants how to communicate, as they struggle to make friends or cope with lessons because of speech and language difficulties.
In order to prepare young people for their future, oracy should be the fourth “R” of education – of equal status to reading, writing and arithmetic, according to a new report.