History

Cambridge IGCSE (0977) Content

The Cambridge IGCSE is a modern History course that enables students to explore key issues that have shaped the contemporary world. The core content of Paper 1 is “the twentieth century: international relations since 1919” and is examined through the following key questions:

1. Were the peace treaties of 1919–23 fair?

2. Why had international peace collapsed by 1939?

3. Who was to blame for the Cold War?

4. How effectively did the United States contain the spread of Communism?

Students also undertake a depth study on Germany 1918-1945, which examines the creation and failure of democracy in Germany after the First World War, the Rise of the Nazi Regime, and its effect on German Society.

Paper 2 is a source-based paper, the topic of which changes annually. For the 2025 examination the topic is “To what extent is the League of Nations a success?” Students will examine a range of perspectives on developments in the region, giving a broad appreciation of this important period of the recent past.

Assessment

Paper 1 – 2 hours, 60 marks. 40% 2 hour exam, candidates answer 2 questions on the core content and 1 on the depth study.

Students are assessed on their ability to describe, explain, and evaluate historical events.

Paper 2 – 2 hours, 50 marks 33% Students are assessed on their ability to analyse and evaluate historical sources

Non-examination Assessment –coursework: 40 marks 27% Students write a 2,000 word essay related to the depth study, Germany 1918-1945.

Teaching Methodology

Taught by subject experts, lessons place a strong emphasis on discussion to develop the higher-level skills of evaluation while grounding such debate in a firm grasp of the fundamental historical evidence. Although source skills are only examined in Paper 2, we ensure that the teaching of source skills is embedded throughout the course allowing students to become comfortable handling a range of written and visual source types.

Co-curricular and Enrichment

There is a Middle School History Society for students to explore issues related to the course as well as giving the opportunity to develop their broader historical interests. Local trips will be planned for the Holocaust exhibit at the IWM and an international trip to Berlin is planned for the summer of 2024.

Progression after IGCSE

History equips students with a toolkit of transferable skills in analysis, evaluation and communication that are beneficial for both the humanities and sciences. History at A Level is a popular option and retains a modern focus while reintroducing some medieval history. The History department has enjoyed considerable success in A Level examinations and in preparing students to study History, including as part of a joint honours course, at top universities including Oxford and Cambridge.