History

Course summary

Within the IB matrix History is part of Group 3 Individuals and Societies. The subject is available at both Standard Level and Higher Level with the following options being offered by the History Department. The subject matter of History naturally lends itself to speculation, investigation and enquiry. History is difficult to define and its purpose can be used to mean different things, from Sallust's belief that history is a story to keep alive "the memory of great deeds" through to Trevelyan's understanding of history as the basis of all humane studies. Pupils learn about eighteenth and nineteenth century history in order to give them the skills required by historians such as synthesis, originality, scepticism, an understanding of human relations and an ability to communicate their arguments in a stylish and readable manner. A comparative approach to History is at the heart of the Standard Level History course. Pupils study a number of the most important issues in the twentieth century, learn about the responses to these crises and formulate their own judgement based upon rational and critical use of the source materials and books provided. At Higher Level the same approach is required, but the focus is much more clearly European based. In order to provide pupils with the best possible background to studying the subject at university level, either as a Single Honours subject or for a Joint Honours course, pupils learn about a wider period of history in order to give them an insight into cultures, politics and civilisations which still very much shape the world we live in today. The IB History course will provide pupils with the very best possible background for reading the subject at university level.