How to get an A Star in IGCSE History

What is IGCSE History?

IGCSE History is a key subject studied at schools and colleges which looks at significant events and historical themes in the context of socio-economic and cultural situations. It offers students the chance to develop their analytical and critical skills as they evaluate and explore historical events. Students who excel in IGCSE History, students need to engage actively with the material, participate in discussions, and develop an inquisitive mindset. No matter which units are selected, IGCSE History covers various historical periods and regions. This requires a broad understanding and the ability to connect different historical narratives.

Understanding the IGCSE History syllabus

The IGCSE History syllabus and specification varies slightly between different examination boards and will focus on key historical events and periods, which will differ depending on the board. It’s therefore crucial to ensure you know what these key topic areas are at the start of your course. The syllabus and specification will also tell you how to answer questions and provide model answers. There will be different ways of answering questions, including short answer and longer essay questions.

IGCSE History exam boards: what you need to know

Only a few exam boards offer IGCSE History, and these currently include Cambridge International Education (CIE) and Pearson Edexcel. Each exam board publishes their own specific guidelines and assessment criteria. Make sure as a student you are not caught off guard by unfamiliar question styles or assessment objectives. Look at the relevant websites, which are linked below, to help you learn more about the exams. Examiners’ reports are also very useful in terms of understanding what is needed for specific grades.

How to use IGCSE History past papers

Past papers are a great resource as you move closer to your IGCSE History exams. They not only provide useful insight into the types of questions but they also help you to understand what the examiner wants when marking your paper. You should start trying out questions as early as possible, before moving to practicing past papers under timed conditions as you get closer to the exams. This repeated practice helps improve not only your understanding, but also your time management. Once you’ve completed a past paper, you should carefully review your answers alongside the mark scheme. This will help you to understand where you might have lost marks and how you can improve next time.

Resources for Further Reading:

Website

1. CIE IGCSE History
2. Pearson Edexcel IGCSE History