8838 H1 History

Subject description

Making sense of the present and anticipating the challenges of the future would not be possible without understanding the past. History education allows students to draw connections between the past and present through examining how the nature and impact of historical developments explain today’s world. Students who take History become balanced, discerning, empathetic, inquiring, knowledgeable and methodical individuals who are able to make reasoned arguments and decisions. 

Themes that will be studied:

One compulsory paper

The Cold War and the Modern World,1945-2000

• Theme I: The Development of the Cold War (1945–1991) (source-based case study)

• Theme II: The Cold War and East Asia (1945–1991)

• Theme III: The Cold War and Southeast Asia (1945–1991)

The H1 syllabus guide can be accessed via link below:

https://www.seab.gov.sg/docs/default-source/national-examinations/syllabus/alevel/2024syllabus/8838_y24_sy.pdf

Pre-requisites

There are no pre-requisites for offering H1 History but you must like essay writing so choose this subject if you:

• like to write and can write at length 

• have a linguistic advantage which is important for analysis and evaluation

Scheme of Assessment

Exam Format

One compulsory paper

Duration: 3 hours  

• Section A (40 marks)
  Source-based study (SBS) from Theme I: The Development of the Cold War, 1945-1991 

• Part a: Compare two sources (10marks; 10%)

• Part b: Test assertion using all sources (30 marks; 30%)

• Section B (60 marks): Essays

• 1 out of 2 essay questions from Theme II (30 marks; 30%)

• 1 out of 2 essay questions from Theme III (30 marks; 30%)

Enrichment opportunities in YIJC / Unique teaching approach

• Use of inquiry approach to engage students in critical thinking

• Opportunities to participate in history related seminars and conferences such as Model UN conferences, interesting talks held by external agencies such as the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies

• Cultural immersion and experiential learning to Vietnam for selected students

Skill attainment

The subject equips the student with analytical and critical thinking skills such as the ability to assess evidence and evaluate conflicting interpretations to make informed judgments. In the process, students also understand change and develop global awareness and cross-cultural skills in order to play an active role in future developments in society.

FAQ

1. Can I offer H1 History and H2 Geography?

• You may but it will be content heavy and challenging to manage hence it is not advisable.

2. What is the difference between H1 and H2 History?

• The difference is in the scope of topics covered and the number of papers offered. For H1 History, there is only 1 paper, Paper 1 and the topics are made up of international and Asian history.  H2 History has 2 papers, Paper 1 focuses on international history and Paper 2 focuses on South-east Asian history. 

• In terms of assessment format, both H1 and H2 History follows the same format of consisting of source-based study and essay questions. The difference again is the topics covered and the number of papers a student has to sit for. The duration for H1 and H2 History papers are all 3 hours.

3. Is H1 History content heavy? Must I memorise a lot?

• History and likewise Geography are both content heavy subjects. While H1 History may be half the scope of H2 History, it is still content heavy for a H1 subject. Memorising lecture notes or content will not score well at ‘A’ Level standard whether is it H1 or H2 because what is required at ‘A’ Level standards are the ability to analyse and evaluate, so content is needed to support an argument but content is not the crux that determines how well a student does at the ‘A’ Levels.  

Any other relevant info

Consider taking this subject if you:

• an interest and passion in history 

• have a good command of the English language & essay writing skills 

• have a keen interest to learn and broaden your historical understanding

• if you would like an interesting and exciting H1 contrasting subject

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