The course emphasises the importance of encouraging students to think historically and to develop historical skills as well as gaining factual knowledge. It puts a premium on developing the skills of critical thinking and on developing an understanding of multiple interpretations of history. In this way, the course involves a challenging and demanding critical exploration of the past. 

The History IB course concentrates on major themes of modern history that have shaped the world we live in. IB History is available at Standard and Higher level. Over the course of the two years, both Standard Level and Higher Level students will study the following options:

‘Authoritarian Rule’ – Students will study the origins, establishment and impact of single party states. Detailed focus will be on the importance of organisation and leadership in the emergence and maintenance of power, the success and failures in solving political, social and economic problems, the role of education, the arts and the media, the treatment of women and the impact of single-party states on world affairs. The specific case studies will be: Hitler in Germany, Castro in Cuba and students can pick another one of their choice, from Saddam Hussein (Iraq), Catherine the Great (Russia) or  Napoleon (France).

In addition to this, students will examine a topic in depth utilising a variety of historical sources and considering a broad spectrum of historical interpretations. The West Island focused study (prescribed subject) is ‘Conflict and Displacement’. This first case study focuses on Europe after World War 2, the second case study is on the Indochina Refugee Crisis following events in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.

All students will also complete an Internal Assessment (Coursework) in which you are required to complete an historical investigation on a topic of your own choosing. This piece of work accounts for 20% of the final assessment for HL and 30% of the final assessment for Standard Level.

Higher Level Candidates also take a Regional Paper in which they study ‘Aspects of History of Asia and Oceania’. –The main themes studied within this unit will reinforce study in other aspects of the IB History program and include ‘The emergence of modern China (1910 - 1949)’, and ‘Cold War conflicts in Asia’.The higher-level option is more demanding and requires in-depth knowledge of the topics studied. There is a separate exam paper for the Higher Level which is worth 35% of the overall marks for the Diploma.

You may have already studied history at IGCSE and want to continue to investigate how past events have affected our world today. Having studied IGCSE though is not compulsory, you may want to rekindle your interest in the subject again. You should have an interest in world affairs and politics, but above all you should be interested in individuals and societies in the widest possible context: political, social, economic, technological, religious and cultural. You should also be interested in the role of the historian- does the historian record history or create it? The subject of history is intrinsically interesting, and we aim to create a lifelong interest in the subject and help you to have an awareness and understanding of peoples and cultures that are different from your own.

The course will appeal to students who:

• • Have an interest in the way that the modern world has developed;

  • Enjoy investigation and discovery;

  • Enjoy debate and like putting forward a well-argued case;

  • Want to improve their analytical skills;

  • Want to study a subject which encourages them to consider evidence and make up their own minds;

  • Want to develop an understanding of shared experiences and values of humanity, while appreciating the variety of cultures and attitudes that enriches modern life.

During this course, students will learn: 

• • About the significance of events, individuals, issues and societies in the twentieth century; 

  • How and why modern societies have changed over time; 

  • About the theories of historians and the language that they use to discuss their ideas; 

  • To understand the nature of historical evidence and the methods used by historians to analyse and evaluate it; 

  • To develop an understanding of how the past has been interpreted and represented; 

  • To express your own historical ideas confidently and effectively.

Students who study IB History have access to a wide range of career and higher education opportunities. By the end of the course, students will have learned how to evaluate and analyse information, how to weigh up evidence and how to communicate complex ideas effectively. These skills are recognised and valued by employers, universities and colleges. IB History provides an excellent foundation for a number of popular careers including journalism, law and business.