History

Studying the past encourages us to think critically and to ask questions about the world around us. It teaches us to communicate effectively and reach judgments that are founded on evidence rather than prejudice. By thinking about the lives of the vast majority of the world’s population that have lived before us, rather than just the small minority that currently inhabit the planet we can acquire a sense of perspective that is denied to those who can only think in the present. Studying history is both academically challenging and personally enriching.

This is an exciting and rigorous course, calling for hard work and enthusiasm.  It is aimed at students who are curious about the past and wish to gain a deeper understanding of the world in which they live. By studying history you will also develop the skills of selection and judgement, and the logical presentation of ideas and arguments. The course will explore some of the key themes that have shaped the modern world such as nationalism, communism, war, revolution, and dictatorship.

At Standard Level two option papers are currently studied: Single Party States (which examines case studies of Castro and Mao) and the Cold War. In addition to the essay paper there is a source based examination on Rights and Protest which compares the Civil Rights Movement in the US with oppositions to apartheid in South Africa, and coursework consisting of a 2,200 word research essay on a topic of the student’s own choosing. 

Assessment/Coursework: The coursework is externally assessed and is undertaken by all candidates, both Higher Level and Standard Level, during the Summer term of Year 12. The final draft is submitted in October of term 4

In addition to the topics studied by Standard Level students, Higher Level candidates also take a paper in European History. The topics studied are:

• The Unification and Consolidation of Germany and Italy 1815-1890

• Imperial Russia, Revolutions, and the Emergence of the Soviet State 1853-1924

Both SL and HL examinations require answers in the form of essays – consequently fluency in English and a good writing style are essential.  Wider reading and independent study and research is expected. The standard of work at SL does not differ from HL, only the range of topics studied is different.

History is regarded as a ‘facilitating subject’ by the elite Russell Group Universities (http://russellgroup.org/InformedChoices-print.pdf) which means that the knowledge and skills you acquire on the History course will actively support your application to a wide range of courses at the most competitive universities. Students wishing to pursue a university degree in History, Law, Philosophy, Economics, Sociology, Politics, or Archaeology would find that a History IB qualification would aid them directly. Universities and employers see a qualification in History as the marker of a critical mind, something which every subject and professional career requires. 

At both SL and HL students will be given textbooks which we will work from. These form the basis of what we study but are in no way exhaustive and students are encouraged to access the wider range of resources offered to them. These come in the form of a specific IB History library offering a range of books focusing on their topics. Plus also subscription websites, including Massolit, which offers them lecture videos from University Professors.