What Will Students Learn?
In the first stage (IAS / Year 12), students study a detailed history depth unit - choosing one period or country-based option (e.g. France in Revolution 1774-1799; Russia 1881-1917; Germany 1918-1945; or Britain 1964-1990). This unit develops understanding of significant historical change, political, social and economic transformations and historiographical debate.
In the second stage (IA2 / Year 13), learning expands to broader thematic and comparative studies. Students examine themes such as war and diplomacy, superpower relations, civil rights, global conflicts or international systems - enabling them to understand history on a broader canvas, draw connections across periods and regions, and appreciate the complexity of global historical developments.
Skills & Understanding Developed
- Critical thinking and source-evaluation
- Evidence-based argumentation and essay-writing
- Assessing differing historical interpretations and evaluating reliability of sources
- Synthesizing information across events and themes
- Constructing coherent, well-supported historical arguments
- Research, analysis, comparative thinking, structured writing and conceptual understanding
Examination Structure
The IAL History qualification comprises four externally assessed units.
| Unit | Title / Focus | Exam Format |
|---|---|---|
| Unit 1 | Depth Study with Interpretations - one historical period/country (e.g. France, Russia, Germany, Britain) | 2-hour written exam; two 25-mark essays |
| Unit 2 | Breadth Study / Historical Themes - comparative studies across periods/themes | 2-hour written exam; essay-based assessment |
| Unit 3 | Thematic Study with Source Evaluation (IA2) - civil rights, superpowers, warfare | 2-hour written exam; source analysis + essay |
| Unit 4 | International Study with Historical Interpretations (IA2) - cross-regional comparisons | 2-hour written exam; global historical analysis |
IAS qualification awarded on completion of Units 1 and 2. Full IAL awarded when all four units are completed. No coursework - all work is externally examined.
Higher Education & Career Pathways
- History, International Relations, Politics, Sociology, Law, Humanities, Cultural Studies degrees
- Social Sciences, Anthropology, Archaeology, Global Studies, Development Studies
- Journalism, media, public policy, diplomacy, heritage, archival work, civil service, law, education and research
- Interdisciplinary pathways where historical perspective, evidence-based analysis, and argumentation are valued
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