Is IGCSE History Hard?

Feeling overwhelmed by IGCSE History? You’re not alone. The combination of large amounts of content and a variety of skills required to succeed can make History seem like a daunting subject. Whether it’s the dates and events, understanding complex historical sources, or managing time during the exams, there are many areas that students can struggle with.

As a Lead of KS4 History, I’ve guided hundreds of students through their exams and understand the pressures they face. I’m here to reassure you that with the right approach and consistent effort, you can succeed in IGCSE History.

In this article, I will break down what makes IGCSE History challenging. However, more importantly, I’ll offer practical solutions and tips that will help you overcome those challenges to ensure you ace your IGCSE History exams.

So, Is IGCSE History Hard?

Yes, IGCSE History can be hard. Whether you're studying Edexcel or Cambridge IGCSE, you will need to: 

• Manage multiple topics, from depth studies to breadth studies

• Understand a variety of historical concepts like causation, change, continuity, and significance

• Answer a variety of question stems, from ‘describe’ questions to complex ‘explain’ or ‘how far do you agree’ essay-style questions

However, IGCSE History is not an impossible subject. If you stay organised, plan your revision, and practice the necessary skills, you can excel at the subject.

What Makes IGCSE History Difficult?

The volume of historical knowledge

In my years as a History teacher, the most common reason students struggle with History is the sheer amount of people, dates and events they need to remember. 

For Edexcel IGCSE History (opens in a new tab), students must cover two depth studies like the French Revolution and superpower relations. They also must take a breadth study and recall facts from a period of around 100 years. This is similar to Cambridge IGCSE History (opens in a new tab), where schools select either Option A (19th century nation-states) or Option B (20th-century international relations) alongside a depth study, for their students to learn.

Beyond the events themselves, students must also learn to understand and analyse different countries and societies throughout history, which requires a wide-ranging knowledge base. 

For example, in Cambridge IGCSE History, the Russia depth study presents students with terms like ‘Bolsheviks’, ‘Stakhanovites’ and ‘Sovnarkom’ which are hard to understand and spell. Getting topic-specific terms correct is crucial to achieving high marks, which can make this a tricky aspect for some students.

Mastering historical skills

Simply knowing the dates and events is not enough to pass IGCSE History. Students must also demonstrate their ability to analyse sources, make judgments, and apply second-order historical concepts like causation, change, and significance.

Students often under-estimate how important historical skills are in comparison to historical knowledge. To prove how important they are, below is a breakdown of the percentage of marks allocated for knowledge (AO1) and second-order concepts (AO2) in Edexcel and Cambridge IGCSE History:

When also considering source analysis questions, skill points make up over 70% of the mark allocation for both exam boards. This shows just how important it is to read exam questions carefully and demonstrate an understanding of the correct historical skill in your answers.

As a History teacher, we try and balance teaching knowledge and skills within our lessons. However, teachers and students find that there is not enough time in lessons to develop these skills fully. Consistent practice outside of class, through homework or dedicated revision, is essential for achieving exam success. 

The exams

The structure of the exams can also make IGCSE History feel overwhelming. In Edexcel IGCSE, students must prepare for two separate papers that test different aspects of the course: Paper 1 covers depth studies, while Paper 2 examines both the historical investigation and the breadth study. Each paper has a specific focus, requiring students to split their revision and adapt to different question types, which can be tricky to manage.

In Cambridge IGCSE, the exam includes two main papers: Paper 1 involves answering structured questions on both the core content and the depth study, while Paper 2 requires students to answer document-based questions. In addition, students must also complete either a coursework assignment (Component 3) or Paper 4, which is an essay on a depth study.

Both exam formats require timing management, as students must balance answering questions and analysing sources within a set time limit. Many students find it difficult to pace themselves across different topics, especially when switching between source-based questions and essay-based questions. This is particularly true if they have had little practice of answering exam questions in timed conditions.

Understanding historical interpretations

In Edexcel IGCSE History Paper 1, students are required to read an extract from a historian’s work and show an understanding of their argument. This is one of the two questions that students have to answer in 45 minutes. This presents numerous challenges to Edexcel IGCSE History students:

• How can you read the interpretation quickly yet accurately?

• How can you infer the viewpoint of the historian if their argument is complex or nuanced?

• What should you highlight and annotate from the extract?

• Should your own knowledge of the time period be used alongside the historian’s argument?

If you do not regularly practice reading, understanding and critically analysing historians’ interpretations in your revision, it can be one of the more difficult aspects of the course.

Approaching coursework

Cambridge IGCSE History gives students the option to do coursework. This component involves writing a 2000-word essay based on one depth study, with a focus on assessing significance.

The challenge for many students is narrowing down their topic to a single question that allows for thorough research and analysis. The coursework tests both AO1 (historical knowledge) and AO2 (analysis), requiring students to evaluate sources and perspectives critically. Additionally, as the coursework is internally assessed but externally moderated, students must ensure their work meets academic standards. 

While the coursework offers an opportunity for independent research, it can be time-consuming and requires careful planning. There is an alternative, which is called Paper 4. This is a written exam with structured essays on depth studies instead of coursework.

How to Overcome the Challenges of GCSE History

Now that we’ve discussed the challenges, it’s time to focus on solutions. Here are my top tips for succeeding in IGCSE History:

Break Down the Content Into Manageable Chunks

The sheer volume of material can be overwhelming, but breaking it down into smaller chunks can make it more manageable. Focus on one topic at a time, and use techniques like mind maps or timelines to help visualise the connections between events.

Active Revision

To move past the difficulties with memorising dates or grasping complex concepts, engage in active revision. Use flashcards to quiz yourself on key facts and dates, and practice retrieval by writing summaries without looking at your notes. This approach helps reinforce what you've learned and strengthens your ability to recall information during exams.

Practice with Past Papers

Both Edexcel and Cambridge IGCSE exams test your ability to apply knowledge under timed conditions. Use past papers to practice answering different question types and test your timing. This will help you become more comfortable with the format and improve your ability to structure clear, concise answers.

Master Exam Techniques

It’s important to practice writing structured essays. Understand what each question is asking, plan your answers, and be sure to include analysis and evaluation in every response. Practising under timed conditions will help you get used to the pressure of exams and help you refine your answers.

Seek Help When Needed

If you’re struggling with a specific topic or skill, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Whether it’s from your teacher, tutor, or peers, getting clarification can make all the difference. Active discussion of topics also helps reinforce your understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Hard Is It to Get a 9 or an A* in IGCSE History?

This question is quite hard to answer as grade boundaries change from year to year. For example, in 2024, you needed to score around 82% to achieve a 9 in Edexcel IGCSE History (opens in a new tab) and 72% for a A* for Cambridge IGCSE History (opens in a new tab). In comparison, Geography IGCSE required students to achieve 77% (Edexcel) and 86% (Cambridge) for the top grade. 

Is IGSCE History Hard to Pass?

This is dependent on the grade boundary for the exam series. In 2024, to gain a good pass at IGSCE History (a 4 or a C), students need to score on average 46% (Edexcel) and 45% (Cambridge).  In comparison, Geography IGCSE required students to achieve 41% (Edexcel) and 53% (Cambridge) for a good pass. 

Is History a Good Option for IGCSE?

History is a fantastic subject for developing critical thinking, research, and writing skills. All of these skills are valuable in many careers. It's not only important for fields like law, education, and journalism but also gives you a deeper understanding of the world we live in.

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References

Cambridge IGCSE History 0470 2024-2026 (opens in a new tab)
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in History Specification (opens in a new tab)
https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/Images/728864-history-0470-november-2024-grade-threshold-table.pdf (opens in a new tab) 

https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/Support/Grade-boundaries/International-GCSE/grade-boundaries-november-2024-int-gcse.pdf (opens in a new tab)