History

CIE 0977 Mr C Eldridge History

What do I need to know and be able to do before taking this course?

The most important requirements for studying IGCSE History successfully are an enquiring mind, an interest in the past and its impact on the present, a willingness to explore a variety of interpretations and an ability to express yourself clearly on paper.

What will I learn?

The course enables you to explore momentous events and understand the forces, which have shaped the 20th century, and its people. If you learn about your past you will understand the world today. You don’t have to be exceptionally academic to enjoy the course, but you do have to be willing to read, to think and to write clearly and to share your ideas with others in class discussions.

A wide range of books, videos and multimedia are used in class and pupils are encouraged to develop their literacy and historical fluency through independent research. Pupils who would like extra help or encouragement with this course in Year 11 are encouraged to attend ‘History Clinic’ sessions which run after the Mock exams.

How is the course structured and assessed?

The course comprises: • An overview ‘Core Content’ study of the • • development of International Relations 1919-1991. A ‘Depth Study’ of Germany 1919-45. Coursework on the Normandy Campaign in World War II 1941-1945.

These are assessed as follows:

Paper 1: 2 hour external examination. This comprises two questions on Core Content which looks at broad issues and trends emerging in international relations, 1919-1991 and one on the Depth Study of Germany 1919-45 focussing on the key events, changes and legacies of the period. All three questions are answered using a combination of analysis, extended writing and factual understanding. Paper 2: 2 hour external examination. This comprises a series of questions on an aspect of the Core Content (pupils are notified in advance what this aspect will be - the 2020 exam for instance will be on the causes of the Cold War). Candidates will be presented with a series of historical sources and required to answer a series of questions based on their utility, content and purpose.

Coursework

This comprises a single 2,000 word essay on the issue of historical significance based on the Normandy campaign in World War II, to be done in the Michaelmas and Advent terms of Year 11.

What is the nature and timing of coursework?

Coursework is traditional in format (i.e., not a controlled assessment) with an emphasis on individual reading and research. It can easily be completed within two terms. For those struggling with co-curricular commitments, a non-coursework option is available at IGCSE with the pupil sitting an extra 1 hour exam on the depth study.

What Sixth Form subjects will this course be useful for?

Pupils will find the literary and analytical skills of History useful for any Sixth Form subject, and indeed any career. More specifically IGCSE provides a firm foundation for the A level History course studied in the Sixth Form and any other literary subjects. Typically historians follow careers that utilise their exceptional skills of information handling and argument such as journalism, law, politics, international relations, teaching, publishing, marketing and senior management. Historians are highly employable people!

What were the History IGCSE examination results like last year?

Last year, 42% of History IGCSE pupils achieved grades 9-8 and 52% achieved grades 9-7. These outstanding results are a testament to the dedication and enthusiasm of our pupils and also of an exam board which recognises and rewards potential.