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Entry Requirements

  • 5 GCSES at Grade 9-4
  • *For those who have studied History at GCSE you will need a Grade 6. For those who have not studied History at GCSE you will require a Grade 6 in English and a Grade 4 in Maths.

Contact

Miss Gurung
Head of History

Mr Smith
Assistant Principal: Head of Sixth Form

info@rainham.latrust.org.uk
FAO: Miss Gurung Head of History

Course Outline

The aims of the IB History course are to:

  • Develop an understanding of, and continuing interest in, the past
  • Encourage students to engage with multiple perspectives and to appreciate the complex nature of historical concepts, issues, events and developments
  • Promote international-mindedness through the study of history from more than one region of the world
  • Develop an understanding of history as a discipline and to develop historical consciousness including a sense of chronology and context, and an understanding of different historical perspectives
  • Develop key historical skills, including engaging effectively with sources
  • Increase students’ understanding of themselves and of contemporary society by encouraging reflection on the past.

Course Content

Students will study the following:

  • Paper 1: Focus Study | 20% of Final Grade
    Political and Economic Transitions

    Case Study 1: Meiji Restoration, Japan
    Case Study 2: The Russian Federation

  • Paper 2: Thematic Study | 25% of Final Grade
    Authoritarian Leaders, 1750-Present

    Case Study 1: Castro and Communist Cuba
    Case Study 2: Mussolini and Fascist Italy

  • Paper 3: Region Study | 35% of Final Grade
    European History

    Case Study 1: Renaissance and Reformation (circa 1350–1700) including: Changes in England
    Case Study 2: Enlightenment and Absolutism (1600–1800) including: Catherine the Great in Russia

  • Internal Assessment | 20% of Final Grade
    Student choice within teacher specialism

    A 2,200 written coursework essay

Course Assessment

This will involve completing a range of source, interpretation and knowledge based questions.

This will involve completing a 2,200 written coursework essay based on researching historical sources and the different perspectives they illustrate.

Career Opportunity and Future Study

History equips you with powerful, transferable skills highly valued by universities and employers alike. You’ll learn to research, analyse information, construct arguments, and communicate clearly – abilities essential for success in almost any field.

  • A History background opens doors to exciting careers in:
  • Law and Politics: Understanding past societies helps you navigate complex current issues.
  • Journalism and Media: Strong research and storytelling skills are key for compelling narratives.
  • Museums and Heritage: Work directly with the past, preserving and sharing our collective stories.
  • Education: Inspire the next generation with your passion for history.
  • Civil Service and Public Sector: Critical analysis and understanding of societal change are highly sought after.
  • Business and Marketing: Knowing human behaviour and past trends can inform future strategies.