Cambridge IGCSE History

The Cambridge IGCSE History syllabus looks at some of the major international issues of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, as well as covering the history of particular regions in more depth. The emphasis is on both historical knowledge and on the skills required for historical research. Learners develop an understanding of the nature of cause and effect, continuity and change, similarity and difference and find out how to use and understand historical evidence as part of their studies. Cambridge IGCSE History will stimulate any learner already interested in the past, providing a basis for further study, and also encouraging a lifelong interest in the subject. Both coursework and non-coursework options are available.

Aims of the Syllabus

The aims are to-
• Stimulate an interest in and enthusiasm for learning about the past
• Promote the acquisition of knowledge and understanding of individuals, people and societies in the past
• Ensure that learners’ knowledge is rooted in an understanding of the nature and use of historical evidence
• Promote an understanding of key historical concepts: cause and consequence, change and continuity, and similarity and difference
• Provide a sound basis for further study and the pursuit of personal interest
• Encourage international understanding
• Encourage the development of historical skills, including investigation, analysis, evaluation and communication skills.

Syllabus

All candidates study all the Core Content in either:

Option A
The nineteenth century- the development of modern nation states, 1848–1914
The content focuses on the following Key Questions-
• Were the Revolutions of 1848 important?
• How was Italy unified?
• How was Germany unified?
• Why was there a civil war in the United States and what were its results?
• Why, and with what effects, did Europeans expand their overseas empires in the nineteenth century?
• What caused the First World War?

(or)

Option B
The twentieth century: international relations since 1919
The content focuses on the following Key Questions-
• Were the peace treaties of 1919–23 fair?
• To what extent was the League of Nations a success?
• Why had international peace collapsed by 1939?
• Who was to blame for the Cold War?
• How effectively did the United States contain the spread of Communism?
• How secure was the USSR’s control over Eastern Europe, 1948–c.1989?
• Why did events in the Gulf matter, c.1970–2000?

In addition, all candidates must also study at least one of the following Depth Studies:
• The First World War, 1914–18
• Germany, 1918–45
• Russia, 1905–41
• The United States, 1919–41
• China, c.1930–c.1990
• South Africa, c.1940–c.1994
• Israelis and Palestinians since 1945

Objectives of Assessment

1. An ability to recall, select, organise and deploy knowledge of the syllabus
   content.
2. An ability to construct historical explanations using an understanding of-
   • cause and consequence, change and continuity, similarity and difference
   • the motives, emotions, intentions and beliefs of people in the past.
3. An ability to understand, interpret, evaluate and use a range of sources as
   evidence, in their historical context.

Assessment

All candidates take three components. All candidates take Paper 1 and Paper 2, and choose either Component 3 or Paper 4.

Paper 1
Written paper
60 marks
Candidates answer two questions from Section A (Core Content) and one question
from Section B (Depth Studies). All questions are in the form of structured essays, split into three parts: (a), (b) and (c)
Externally assessed
2 hours
Weighting- 40%

Paper 2
Written paper
50 marks
Candidates answer six questions on one prescribed topic taken from the Core Content. There is a range of source material relating to each prescribed topic. The prescribed topic changes in each examination session
Externally assessed
2 hours
Weighting- 33%

Component 3
Coursework
40 marks
Candidates produce one piece of extended writing based on a Depth Study from the syllabus or a Depth Study devised by the Centre
Internally assessed/externally moderated
Weighting- 27%

Paper 4
Alternative to Coursework. Written paper
40 marks
Candidates answer one question on a Depth Study
Externally assessed
1 hour
Weighting– 27%

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