History

What levels are on offer?

You can take History at standard or higher level.

How do I decide which to choose?

Higher level History is aimed at students who enjoy the subject and are considering pursuing history into higher education.

Standard level is aimed more at students who enjoy History and would benefit from the skills that a further History education would provide, for example, analytical and investigative skills.

What will I need?

At least a grade B in GCSE for the higher course and no lower than a C for standard.

What will I study?

All students – higher and standard level – will study the following topics:

The Arab Israeli Conflict 1945-1979
Causes, Practices and Effects of War
Origins and development of authoritarian and single party states in the C20

Higher level candidates will also carry out a study of Aspects of the History of the Americas, covering the US, Canada and Latin America, focusing on the US civil war, the Americas during the Second World War and civil rights movements across the continent.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment for standard level will be in the form of two exams – a document paper (worth 30%) and an essay based examination (worth 25%).

There will also be an internal assessment (coursework) – a problem solving activity which enables candidates to demonstrate the application of their skills and knowledge to an area which interest them. Students will chose a topic and question and produce a 2,000 word written account using a range of historical sources (worth 25%).

Assessment for standard level will be in the form of three exams – a document paper (worth 20%) and two essay based examination (worth 25% and 35% respectively).

Higher level students also carry out an internal assessment, just as the standard level candidates do, with a 20% weighting.