There are a host of reasons for taking History at IGCSE. An understanding of History is crucial to understanding the world in which we live today. It allows you to make sense of current affairs and politics, to make balanced judgements about the past and to distinguish between fact, opinion and fake news.
IGCSE historians investigate past politics, societies, cultures, conflicts and much more. They look at how things have developed over time and use this knowledge to understand how we got where we are today and how we might proceed in the future.
History also teaches you how to research, analyse, debate, solve problems, think critically and to write persuasively, skills that will be useful at A level, university and in the world of work.
There are three exam papers in the IGCSE:
History develops knowledge, understanding and skills that are highly valued by the most prestigious universities in the UK, USA, Spain and Europe. Many choose History because it will help them gain access to degrees such as History, International Relations, European Studies, Law, PPE, Politics, Economics, English or Modern Languages.
History degree is also highly valued by employers, who regard those who see the subject as providing students with many of the skills that are prized in the world of work. Skills such as clear and fluent communication, the ability to sift through and then evaluate evidence and opinions and to reach substantiated conclusions are of particular value in today’s post-truth world.
History is a great route into a whole host of careers involving business, management, finance and investment, marketing, personnel, government and the civil service, diplomacy, international relations, politics, development and environmental studies, law, journalism, media, non-governmental organisations and charities, publishing, research, advertising, education, academia and many other careers.