BSW IB Group 3


Individuals and Societies

History

History is a very popular subject in which students gain an understanding of the major world and European events of the 19th and 20th centuries, has good academic rigour and links together well with the other subjects offered at BSW. History remains a very popular subject to study at degree level and IB history should thoroughly prepare the students at the British School for entrance into any establishment of higher learning; be that in Europe, America or other regions.

The aims of the History programme are to promote:

  • The acquisition and understanding of historical knowledge in breadth and in depth, and across different cultures
  • A developing appreciation and understanding of history as a discipline, including the nature and diversity of its sources, methods and interpretations
  • International awareness and understanding of people living in diverse places and at different times;
  • A better understanding of the present through an understanding of the past
  • An ability to use and communicate historical knowledge and understanding
  • A lasting interest in history

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

  • Comprehend, analyse, evaluate and integrate source material critically as historical evidence
  • Demonstrate historical understanding of 20th century history through the acquisition, selection, effective use and synthesis of knowledge
  • Present arguments that are clear, coherent, relevant and well substantiated
  • Plan and present an individual historical investigation

Course Outline:
Students may decide to choose History at Higher or Standard Level.
The Core of the programme constitutes the Standard Level course, and part of the Higher Level course. The core consists of a prescribed subject, which, at the British School will be:

  • The USSR under Stalin 1924-1941.

It will also consist of 20th-century World History topics, such as;

  • The Causes, Practices and Effects of War
  • The Rise and Rule of single-party states

Higher Level students also study the Europe Regional Option, involving a detailed study of certain European countries in the later 19th century and 20th century.

Final Assessment:

This consists of internal assessment and 2 or 3 exams
(SL= Standard Level, HL= Higher Level)

  • Internal assessment (SL 25%, HL 20%): internally assessed, externally moderated
Comprising of an historical investigation – a problem solving activity, which enables students to demonstrate the application of their skills and knowledge in an area that interests them
  • Paper 1 (SL 30%, HL 20%): document analysis and evaluation: Four questions based on the prescribed topic
  • Paper 2 (SL 45%, HL 25%): essay writing: Two analytical essays based on two 20th century world history topics
  • Paper 3 (HL only , 35%): essay writing: Three analytical essays based on the Europe Regional Option

Geography

Higher and Standard Level
The aims of the Diploma Programme geography course include enabling students to develop a global perspective and a sense of world interdependence. They also develop a concern for the interrelationship between people, place and the environment.

At BSW there is an emphasis on making the work topical and relevant, and takes advantage of our location in Washington DC and the global nature of the school's community.
The syllabus is divided into three parts: geographical skills, core themes and optional themes.

Assessment

Higher Level : External Assessment (two papers)75%

  • Paper 1 - Candidates answer 3 questions on the core theme of Population, Resources and Development
  • Paper 2 - Four questions on the optional themes :
  • Drainage Basins and their Management.
  • Arid Environments and their Management.
  • Settlements, and Globalization.
Standard Level : External Assessment 80%
  • Paper 1 as for the Higher Level.
  • Paper 2 candidates answer two questions on the optional themes.
  • Fieldwork 25 % or 20%

Candidates are required to undertake two investigations, related to two different themes in the course. Fieldwork provides an in-depth study of a situation, and adds to knowledge and understanding of the environment.

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