Subject Information

Cambridge IGCSE History enables learners to understand the social and economic forces which have shaped the world we live in today.  History poses questions for discussion and research. What has been the legacy of Nelson Mandela on South Africa today?  Why was the Berlin Wall built?
 
 Learners develop an understanding of
  • the nature of cause and effect,
  • continuity and change,
  • similarity and difference 
  • how to use and understand historical evidence
They also learn how to analyse, interpret and evaluate primary and secondary evidence, question sources of information, and learn how to present their own views in well-structured essays.  The course includes the study of visual and online sources as well as a wide variety of materials in print.

Syllabus Content

In addition to a Depth Study on South Africa, c.1940–c.1994 our History course will follow Core Option B. The twentieth century: international relations since 1919.
Option B considers 7 key questions:
  1. Were the peace treaties of 1919–23 fair?
  2. To what extent was the League of Nations a success?
  3. Why had international peace collapsed by 1939?
  4. Who was to blame for the Cold War?
  5. How effectively did the United States contain the spread of Communism?
  6. How secure was the USSR’s control over Eastern Europe, 1948–c.1989?
  7. Why did events in the Gulf matter, c.1970–2000?​

History Exams Papers

All students sit three examination papers:

Paper 1: Two questions on the Core Option and one question on the Depth Study 2 hours (40% of the marks)
Paper 2: Six questions on one prescribed topic taken from the Core Content 2 hours (33% of the marks)
​Paper 4: One question on the Depth Study 1 hour (27% of the marks)

Course codes: 0977 (1-9), 0470 (*A-G)

​Prior Learning & Hours of Study

  • We recommend that learners starting this course should have studied a history curriculum within a framework in which the same skills are developed as in IGCSE History.   Competence in the English Language is necessary however.​​
  • Your child should allow for up to 130 hours’ study time to complete their Cambridge IGCSE History course plus additional time for completing assignments. This is an approximate figure which depends on their learning abilities and the pace at which they work.​
The Latham School is a registered school with Cambridge Assessment International
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