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International GCSE in History

Pearson Edexcel – Qualification Code: 4HI1

Why Study This Course?

The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in History provides students with a deep understanding of key historical events, themes, and developments that have shaped the world. The course helps develop critical thinking, source analysis, and evaluative skills, enabling students to understand historical perspectives and make informed judgements.

This course is ideal for students who:

  • Enjoy analysing past events and their impact on societies today.
  • Wish to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills.
  • Are considering A-Level History, Politics, International Relations, or Law.
  • Want a globally recognised qualification that enhances university and career opportunities.

Who is This Course For?

This course is suitable for students who:
  • Have an interest in historical events, periods, and their significance.
  • Enjoy researching and evaluating sources to construct arguments.
  • Are considering careers in law, politics, journalism, education, and heritage industries.
  • Wish to develop skills in debate, argumentation, and independent inquiry.
The course fosters an understanding of historical events and developments, focusing on evaluative and analytical skills.

1. Critical Thinking and Source Analysis

  • Evaluating primary and secondary sources.
  • Understanding bias, reliability, and historical interpretations.
  • Constructing evidence-based arguments.

2. Understanding Cause and Consequence

  • Analysing why historical events happened and their short- and long-term effects.
  • Understanding historical change and continuity.

3. Comparative Analysis

  • Examining similarities and differences between different historical periods.
  • Understanding how historical events are interconnected.

4. Communication and Argumentation

  • Writing structured and persuasive historical essays.
  • Developing the ability to present coherent and well-reasoned arguments.
The course assesses students based on the following objectives:
Objective Description Weighting
AO1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of historical periods, events, and issues 35%
AO2 Explain, analyse, and make judgements about historical events 35%
AO3 Evaluate and use sources to investigate the past 15%
AO4 Analyse and evaluate interpretations of history 15%

Strong Preparation for A-Level and Beyond

This course provides a solid foundation for A-Level History, preparing students for higher education in history, law, politics, and international relations.

Recognition by Top Universities

The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in History is widely recognised by universities, employers, and academic institutions worldwide.

Development of Research and Analytical Skills

Students develop historical research, critical evaluation, and argumentation skills, which are essential in higher education and professional careers.

Engaging and Culturally Relevant Content

The course includes diverse topics covering multiple geographical regions, ensuring that students engage with a wide range of historical perspectives.

Course Structure

The qualification consists of two externally assessed written papers:

Paper 1: Depth Studies (50%)

Exam Duration

1 hour 30 minutes

Assessment Format

External examination

Skills Assessed:

  • Analysing and evaluating key historical events in depth.
  • Understanding historical causes, consequences, and significance.
  • Comparing different interpretations of historical events.

Students must study at least two of the following topics:

  • The French Revolution (c.1780–99) – The rise and fall of revolutionary France.
  • Unification of Italy (1848–70) – The process of nation-building in Italy.
  • Germany: Development of Dictatorship (1918–45) – The Weimar Republic, Nazi Germany, and World War II.
  • Dictatorship and Conflict in the USSR (1924–53) – Stalin’s rule and Soviet policies.
  • A World Divided: Superpower Relations (1943–72) – The Cold War and nuclear tensions.
  • A Divided Union: Civil Rights in the USA (1945–74) – The Civil Rights Movement and political challenges.
  • South Africa: From Union to the End of Apartheid (1948–94) – The struggle against racial segregation.

Paper 2: Historical Investigations and Breadth Studies (50%)

Exam Duration

1 hour 30 minutes

Assessment Format

External examination

Skills Assessed

  • Evaluating historical sources and drawing conclusions.
  • Understanding patterns of change over time.
  • Making connections between historical events.

Students must study one topic from each category:

  • A: Historical Investigations
  • Origins and Course of the First World War (1905–18
  • Russia and the Soviet Union (1905–24)
  • The USA (1918–41)
  • The Vietnam Conflict (1945–75)
  • East Germany (1958–90)
  • B: Breadth Studies in Change
  • America: From New Nation to Divided Union (1783–1877)
  • Changes in Medicine (c.1848–c.1948)
  • Japan in Transformation (1853–1945)
  • China: Conflict, Crisis and Change (1900–89)
  • The Changing Role of International Organisations (The League of Nations and UN, 1919–2011)
  • The Changing Nature of Warfare and International Conflict (1919–2011)
  • The Middle East: Conflict, Crisis and Change (1917–2012)
  • Diversity, Rights and Equality in Britain (1914–2010)
Each paper contains a mix of source-based analysis, short-answer, structured, and extended-response questions.
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