OPTION SUBJECTS: HISTORY

Studying History at HCS gives students the opportunity to explore and investigate some of the most formative and significant events in the 20th Century. We follow the Cambridge CIE iGCSE course; students will delve into the impact of the First World War on international relations, the causes and outbreak of the Second World War, the Cold War (through some very exciting case studies on the Korean War, Cuban Missile Crisis, and Vietnam War) and the collapse of the Soviet Union. For our Depth Study we look at Germany 1918-45, where we explore how Germany went from a fledgling democratic state to a totalitarian dictatorship under the Nazi regime.

Like any subject, History is a step up from Year 9. Students will be expected to develop their skills in analysis and evaluation, and to be able to write at length. We foster an environment of intellectual rigour and curiosity in the department, and we encourage our students to read around the subject on aspects of the course that they find interesting.

History really is a subject where what you get out of it is what you put in. If you have a curious mind, and want to understand how the world is today, then look no further than our past. Ever wonder why North and South Korea have a rather tense relationship? Ever think about why America and Russia seem to be regularly falling out? Do you want to know how the CIA thought that using LSD would lead to the overthrow of a government? Welcome to the History Department, where history gives answers only to those who know how to ask questions.

Students of History can go on to a variety of roles in life; everything from journalism, national security, academia, and finance. It is the skills that you will hone during your time with us that will serve you well. That, and you will be everyone’s best friend on quiz night!