History

This is a stimulating and challenging course in twentieth-century world history based on International Relations since 1919. This is combined with an in-depth study of Germany 1918-1945 and a document study focusing on one of the 'Core Content' topics; the topic covered changes every year. This is a demanding course in terms of time and intellectual maturity but taken in the right spirit is also entertaining and stimulating. Students must be prepared to read without prompting – on and around the subject. Many aspects of the course are illuminated by the use of documentary videos and feature movies, and other contemporary texts, such as newspaper articles, cartoons, etc. The department runs a study visit to Berlin on a annual basis in order to support and enhance the Depth study and the Cold War content of the course. 

The syllabus consists of Core and Depth Studies. All students will study the Core, plus One Depth Study (Germany). 

Coursework is a 2,000 word essay assessing the significance of the 1974 Portuguese Revolution, a study instigated and resourced by the St. Julian’s History Department. 

The Core “The Twentieth Century: International Relations since 1919”. 

• To what extent were Hitler's actions the cause of the Second World War? 

• Why did the Cold War emerge in 1949? 

• How successful was the USA's attempts to contain Communism? (Korea, Cuba & Vietnam) 

• How secure was Soviet control over Eastern Europe, 1948 – 1991? 

The  Depth Studies:

• Germany 1918 - 1945

• A  Study of the Portuguese Revolution (coursework)

The course aims to teach students to think critically about the world they live in, to argue clearly and logically, and to present their ideas and arguments fluently. It takes an international perspective on modern history, looking at historical experiences from several continents.

Cambridge iGCSE Modern World History 0470

The final assessment is based on:

1.  an examination of the Core and Depth Studies (40% of the final mark), 

2. an examination of a series of sources based on one of the core topics (33%) 

3. coursework (27%).

A qualification in history is a useful pathway into careers such as law, journalism, politics, management, teaching, and international development, in fact any occupation that values critical thinking and clear communication.

The key text for the course is Cambridge IGCSE Modern World History by Ben Walsh. Department resources such as specifications, coursework material, revision notes and past papers are available to students on elearning.