IB History

Applications Open: Now

Applications Close: 27 February 2026

Entry Requirements: - 5 GCSE's 4 or above including English and Maths

How to Apply

Internal students - Please apply via Applicaa using this link - https://skinnerskentacademy.applicaa.com/year12

External students - Please apply via KentChoices using this link - https://www.kentprospectus.co.uk/login. Please note - after sending your application, you'll receive a welcome email from Applicaa asking for further information.

The course is a world history course based on a comparative and multi-perspective approach to history. It involves the study of a variety of types of history, including political, economic, social and cultural, and provides a balance of structure and flexibility.

The course emphasises the importance of encouraging students to think historically and to develop historical skills as well as gaining factual knowledge. It puts a premium on developing the skills of critical thinking, and on developing an understanding of multiple interpretations of history. In this way, the course involves a challenging and demanding critical exploration of the past. Teachers explicitly teach thinking and research skills such as comprehension, text analysis, transfer, and use of primary sources.

There are six key concepts that have particular prominence throughout the DP history course:

• Change

• Continuity

• Causation

• Consequence

• Significance

• Perspectives

One of two alternative routes will be followed:

Route One Summary Prescribed subjects (one to be studied) History of Europe and the Islamic world—prescribed subjects

1. The origins and rise of Islam c500–661

2. The kingdom of Sicily 1130–1302

SL and HL Topics (two to be studied) History of Europe and the Islamic world—topics

1. Dynasties and rulers

2. Society and economy

3. Wars and warfare

4. Intellectual, cultural and artistic developments

5. Religion and the state

SL and HL Higher Level Aspects of the history of medieval Europe and the Islamic world HL only

Route Two Summary 20th century world history—prescribed subjects (one to be studied)

1. Peacemaking, peacekeeping—international relations 1918–36

2. The Arab–Israeli conflict 1945–79

3. Communism in crisis 1976–89

SL and HL 20th century world history—topics (two to be studied)

1. Causes, practices and effects of wars

2. Democratic states—challenges and responses

3. Origins and development of authoritarian and single-party states

4. Nationalist and independence movements in Africa and Asia and post-1945 Central and Eastern European states

5. The Cold War

SL and HL Higher Level options (one to be studied)

1. Aspects of the history of Africa

2. Aspects of the history of the Americas

3. Aspects of the history of Asia and Oceania

4. Aspects of the history of Europe and the Middle East HL only

Assessment is through a combination of external exam papers and an historical investigation.

General Entry Requirement for The Skinners’ Kent Academy Sixth Form

Minimum of GCSE grade 4 (G4) in English and Mathematics plus 3 other GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C)

Subject specific minimum entry requirements are:

History: G5 English G6 in History if studied

Taken in combination with other subjects and depending on your pathway of study this course can lead to higher education and/or apprenticeships.