History – Edexcel – 4HI0 (IGCSE)
Course Outline
The topics to be covered across the two years of study are as follows: Russia in Revolution, 1914–
24; Russia: Dictatorship and conflict, 1924–53; The USA, 1917–29; A divided union: Civil rights in
the USA 1945-1979, Development of a dictatorship, Germany 1918-1945; and a fifth unit 'Changes
in Medicine 1845-1945'.
The objective of the course will be to enable students to recall, select, organise and deploy
knowledge and communicate it through description, explanation and analysis. Show that students
understand and can analyse and interpret historical sources in context. To show that students can
comprehend, analyse and evaluate how and why events, people, situations and changes have been
interpreted and represented in relation to the historical themes and periods studied.
The skills that will be developed will be to foster a knowledge and understanding of selected periods
and/or aspects of history, exploring the significance of historical events, people, changes and issues
and to give students the ability to use historical sources critically, in context, recording significant
information and reaching conclusions. To enable learners to organise and communicate their
knowledge and understanding of history and to enable learners to draw conclusions and make
historical judgements.
Course Details
Paper 1 - Written examination - Students complete 2 in-depth studies from 9 choices.
(50% of total GCSE)
Paper 2 – Written examination - Students complete one historical investigation from 6 choices and 1
breadth study in change from 8 choices.
(50% of total GCSE)
Assessment Criteria
All the assessment for IGCSE History will take place at the end of the two years of study. There is
no coursework element to the course. The Examination will be 2 un-tiered papers of 1 hour and 30
minutes each.
Career Prospects
Successful completion of the IGCSE History course allows for the progression to Edexcel GCE AS
and A2 Level History which is also studied at Dubai British School. However, because the course is
very much geared to allowing students to become independent thinkers, who are good
communicators and able to articulate sound judgements, it also provides a sound basis for a
number of other avenues.