IB Diploma | History

History at Leighton Park

Course Overview

IB History can be studied at Standard Level or Higher Level.

History is a dynamic, contested, evidence-based discipline that involves an exciting engagement with the past. It is a rigorous intellectual discipline, focused around key historical concepts such as change, causation and significance. History is an exploratory subject that fosters a sense of inquiry. It is also an interpretive discipline, allowing opportunity for engagement with multiple perspectives and a plurality of opinions. Studying history develops an understanding of the past, which leads to a deeper understanding of the nature of humans and of the world today. The IB Diploma Programme (DP) history course is a world history course based on a comparative and multiperspective approach to history. It involves the study of a variety of types of history, including political, economic, social and cultural, and provides a balance of structure and flexibility. The course emphasizes 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.

Assessment

At Standard Level

Paper 1: A source-based paper set on the prescribed subject: Rights and Protest:

• Case Study 1: The Civil Rights Movement in the United States 1954 – 1965
• Case Study 2: Apartheid South Africa 1948 – 1964

Paper 2: An essay paper based on the World History Topics: 

• The Cold War – Superpower Tensions and Rivalries (20th century) 
• Authoritarian States (20th Century): Germany– Hitler; USSR – Lenin; Cuba – Castro

Internal assessment (IA):

A historical investigation: student choice of topic

Additionally at Higher Level:

Paper 3: an essay paper based on depth studies from History of African and the Middle East:

• Developments in South Africa 1880-1994
• Post-war developments in the Middle East (1945-2000)
• Post-independence politics in Africa to 2005

Skills Gained on this Course

• The acquisition and understanding of historical knowledge from different cultures in breadth and in depth
• A developing appreciation and understanding of History as a discipline, including the nature and diversity of its sources, methods and interpretations
• International awareness and understanding of people living in a variety of places at different times
• A better understanding of the present through an understanding of the past
• An ability to use and communicate historical knowledge and understanding
• Ability to distinguish reasoned argument from prejudice and propaganda.

Beyond IB

History is more relevant to careers than might be immediately apparent. Many careers utilise the skills of research, analysis and report-writing skills developed by History students. If students plan to work in the media, politics or diplomatic service then it is important to have knowledge of historic events in order to understand current affairs. Careers involving History directly include Archaeology, Museum, Heritage and archiving work, Conservation and Architecture.

To find out more about this course please contact Head of Department: Helen Tatlock.

To apply for our Sixth Form please see our Admissions page.