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International Baccalaureate History courses share the same base syllabus both on Higher (HL) and Standard (SL) levels. Although there are some extra topics you need to cover for Higher level.

World history topics (two to be studied)

SL and HL

1. Society and economy (750-1400)
2. Causes and effects of wars (750-1500)
3. Dynasties and rulers (750-1500)
4. Societies in transition (1400-1700)
5. Early Modern states (1450-1789)
6. Causes and effects of Early Modern wars (1500-1750)
7. Origins, development and impact of industrialization (1750-2005)
8. Independence movements (1800-2000)
9. Emergence and development of democratic states (1848-2000)
10. Authoritarian states (20th century)
11. Causes and effects of 20th-century wars
12. The Cold War: superpower tensions and rivalries (20th century)

HL Depth studies (one to be studied)

HL Only

1. History of Africa and the Middle East
2. History of the Americas
3. History of Asia and Oceania
4. History of Europe

Prescribed subjects (one to be studied)

SL and HL

1. Military leaders
2. Conquest and its impact
3. The move to global war
4. Rights and protest
5. Conflict and intervention

Internal assessment

SL and HL

Historical investigation

The History program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of history through a topical approach aiming to teach historical principles which can be observed in multiple events across time, culture, and nationality.

In other words, whether it’s ancient Greece, medieval France or modern Europe, the History curriculum will make sure to cover a wide range of topics, including rights and protest, Civil and interstate wars, authoritarian leaders, and wars.

These topics will require students to think critically, evaluate multiple sources, outweigh perspectives, and create historical interpretations.

IB History - Paper 1

Paper 1 is a document-based question paper, where students will be required to analyze and evaluate a selection of primary sources. Students are asked to write an OPVL (Origin, Purpose, Value, and Limitations) analysis of sources, compare and contrast sources based on topics, and answer an essay question.The key to a successful Paper 1 can be attributed to:

• Organized answer/essay structure;

• Choosing the arguments carefully;

• Being able to breakdown historical sources;

IB History - Paper 2

Paper 2 is a thematic paper, where students will be required to answer two questions based on the topics studied. The limited time attributed for each essay requires students to be knowledgeable about the topic and nimble when structuring their essay. As such, for a successful Paper 2, it is necessary to:

• Prepare evidence about your chosen topic (events, quotes, sources)

• Organize your essay in a “sandwich” structure (claim, counterclaim, claim)

• Provide as many differing analytical perspectives within your paragraphs

IB History - Paper 3

Paper 3 is similar to Paper 2 but with additional focus on using detailed evidence and case studies. Here, the examiners will expect more explicit and in-depth knowledge of data and relevant examples and evidence of historical events and their implications. Usually more vague, Paper 3 questions allow students to be free in the choice of focus which can be confusing given the vast array of historical events and angles to choose from. Therefore:

• Prepare 3-4 topics very well including quotes and statistics. (i.e. two 20th century wars, two types of influence of guerilla warfare, two Inter-war events)

• Organize your essay to showcase critical analysis

• Beware of your time constraint

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