Syllabus update - Cambridge International AS & A Level History (9489) - Version 2

Oct 23, 2026

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Syllabus update for Cambridge International AS & A Level History (9489) for examinations in 2027, 2028, and 2029, covering changes introduced in version 2 published April 2025. The update adds a specified learning outcome to Paper 3 Topic 3 on the origins and development of the Cold War, and introduces a new command phrase for Paper 1 Part (b) questions in Section 4. It also notes editorial improvements affecting the syllabus document and clarity updates to specimen Paper 4 materials and its indicative content.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Overview of the syllabus update

Changes to syllabus content

Changes to assessment

Other editorial changes

Updates to specimen materials

Syllabus update: Cambridge International AS & A Level History (9489) for examination in 2027, 2028 and 2029 We have updated this syllabus. The latest syllabus is version 2 , published April 2025. Changes to version 2 of the syllabus, published April 2025 | What has changed? | | Detail | | --- | --- | --- | | | Changes to syllabus content | • The learning outcome ‘The emergence of the ‘New’ Cold War history: post-post-revisionism' has been added to the content in Paper 3 Topic 3: The origins and development of the Cold War. | | | Changes to
assessment | • The command phrase 'How far do the sources agree...?' has
been added to the list of command phrases for the Paper 1 Part (b) questions in Section 4 Details of the assessment in the syllabus. | | | Other changes | • Small editorial changes have been made to the syllabus document to improve clarity. | | | Changes to assessment (including changes to specimen papers) | • Small editorial changes have been made to the specimen Paper 4 Question paper to improve clarity.
• Small changes have been made to the indicative content in the specimen Paper 4 mark scheme in Question 6 to improve clarity. | We have updated the syllabus and specimen materials for this syllabus. Please check the updated syllabus and specimen papers for further information. The syllabus has been updated. You are strongly advised to read the whole syllabus before planning your teaching programme. We are committed to making our documents accessible in accordance with the WCAG 2.1 Standard. We’re always looking to improve the accessibility of our documents. If you find any problems or you think we’re not meeting accessibility requirements, contact us at [info@cambridgeinternational.org](info@cambridgeinternational.org) with the subject heading: Digital accessibility. If you need this document in a different format, contact us and supply your name, email address and requirements and we will respond within 15 working days. Learn more! For more details, [visit](visit www.cambridgeinternational.org)[ www.cambridgeinternational.org](visit www.cambridgeinternational.org) or contact Customer Services on +44 (0)1223 553554 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment June 2025

FAQs

Which examinations does this syllabus update cover?

It applies to Cambridge International AS & A Level History (9489) examinations in 2027, 2028, and 2029.

What key content change was added in version 2?

Version 2 adds the learning outcome on the emergence of the “New” Cold War history: post-post-revisionism to Paper 3 Topic 3.

What assessment and specimen changes are included in version 2?

The update adds the command phrase “How far do the sources agree...?” to Paper 1 Part (b) questions in Section 4, and includes clarity editorial changes to specimen Paper 4 and the Paper 4 mark scheme indicative content for Question 6.

Oct 23, 2026

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