History

Why study  History?

The study of GCSE History aims to provide pupils with the opportunity to examine international history from 1905 to 2012, gaining an understanding, as well as a knowledge, of the ideologies and diplomatic shenanigans that helped shape the modern world. We spend some time looking at the Weimar Republic and the Rise of Nazi Dictatorship as well as the Cold War, WW1 and the Middle Eastern Conflict.

What does the course involve?

Year 10: WW1 1905 – 1918 and Germany: Development of Dictatorship 1918-1945 

Here we study the causes of the outbreak of war in 1914 and the developments of trench warfare. This is followed by an analysis of the impact of WW1 on Germany, the birth of the Weimar Republic and the development of Hitler’s dictatorship. 

Year 11: Middle Eastern Conflict 1917 – 2012 and Superpower Relations 1943-1972 

Here we analyse the impact of the birth of Israel and the nature of the conflict within the Middle East alongside international involvement in the conflict. Furthermore, we examine the causes of the Cold War, key events and the development of Détente in the 1970s. 

How is the course assessed?

There will be two exam papers, all taken at the end of Year 11. 

Paper 1 (1.5 hours): focuses on Superpower Relations and the Rise of Nazi Dictatorship Germany: Development of Dictatorship 1918-1945. 

Paper 2 (1.5 hours): focuses on WW1 and the Middle Eastern Conflict. 

What can iGCSE in History lead to, and what skills does the course develop? 

IGCSE History is a highly regarded qualification. Not only will you develop the ability to learn a lot of information, but you will also be able to refine your skills of analysis and communication. Perhaps most importantly, the emphasis on source work in the WW1 topic enables you to develop those skills of critical reading and analysis which will be so important across the academic board at A Level and beyond.