Page 24 - Year 10 Course Brochure 2023-2025

HISTORY

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COURSE CONTENT History allows us to develop a better understanding of the world we live in. The
knowledge and understanding acquired through studying historical events and
trends allow us to acquire a unique appreciation of the modern world. Our study of
the twentieth century examines key historical events that have shaped who we are
today and why we are this way. The topics include:
1. The causes, events and consequences of the First World War and why it was not
the war to end all wars.
2. The breakdown of international relations in the 1920s and 1930s, the rise of
nationalism and Hitler’s foreign policy, the role of appeasement and the causes of
the Second World War.
3. The development of the superpower rivalry between the USA and the USSR
post-1945, the causes and development of Cold War tension.
4. The US policy of containing the spread of Communism in the 1950s and 1960s,
including case studies on the Korean War 1950 – 53, The Cuban Missile Crisis
1962 and the Vietnam War 1954 – 75.
5. The collapse of Communism and Soviet Control over eastern Europe, the rise and
fall of the Berlin Wall, the growth of opposition including case studies on the
Hungarian Uprising 1956 and Czechoslovakia and the Prague Spring 1968.
6. Why the Gulf has been such a cause of tension and the importance of events in
the Gulf states between 1970 – 2000.

APPROACH TO TEACHING The course is taught in an active and engaging way, with discussion of key ideas and
AND LEARNING concepts central to the learning process. You will develop a range of key skills
including the ability to work with and analyse historical sources, evaluate different
perspectives, generate an argument based on available evidence, write essays and
present information in a clear and coherent manner. We take a multi-sensory
approach to your learning, with teachers making full use of iPad technology.
History is a subject that enables you to reflect on how the past has played a role in
shaping the present and, therefore, you will develop your ability to think critically,
to draw comparisons across time and to assess the significance of individuals and
events. You will take a view on big questions such as: Was Stalin or Truman more to
blame for the Cold War? It will also develop your interest in reading and expression
in both written and oral form.
ASSESSMENT The course is assessed by two examination papers at the end of Year 11 and by a
piece of coursework on the First World War.
73% of the available marks will be awarded for the end of course examinations and
27% for the coursework

FURTHER INFORMATION A series of European and international trips are being developed related to the
course to provide greater context for the curriculum. One of the highlights of the
History course is a residential visit to the First World War battlefields around Ypres
and the Somme. We also run trips to Berlin and host a number of topical seminars
and lectures from leading academics.
The History department at Millfield is world leading with expert tutors with an
array of examining experience. As a well-resourced department, you will have
access to a variety and range of resources that will enable you to succeed.

EXAM BOARD AND 0977
SPECIFICATION www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/
cambridge-igcse-history-9-1-0977/
CONTACT Mr M Howard
Head of History and Politics
howard.m@millfieldschool.com

22 YEAR 10/11 COURSE GUIDE