Course Length: Full academic year (30 weeks)
This Year's Schedule: Click here to view
Aims of the Course
In the 'Modern World History: Two World Wars' course (designed for ages 12-18) with Miss Yvonne, we will be discovering the period 1900-1945, focusing on the origins and course of World War I, the interwar period, the Great Depression, the League of Nations, the rise of Nazi Germany and the outbreak and course of World War II. We'll be reading a wide range of sources including the diaries, poetry, records and histories written at the time, as well as excellent modern studies of the period from the likes of Martin Gilbert, Richard Maybury and Huw Strachan and watching some fascinating documentaries, introducing us to the people, events, battles, ideas and big questions of the World Wars and the years in between. We’ll also address some of the key debates about this period, such what really triggered World War I; were the soldiers of that war really ‘lions led by donkeys’ and how did World War I lead to World War II? In addition, we'll be reading some great historical fiction set during the World Wars, including Anne Frank’s famous ‘Diary of a Young Girl’ and ‘The Silver Sword’ by Ian Serraillier.
Homework Expectations
The homework each week is to read about 50-60 pages of text, watch at least one documentary, write a short summary and answer three short discussion questions which are often based on completion of a short research task on a variety of topics.
Students attend a weekly one hour webinar where we have lots of class discussions and debates (with me talking and the students typing in the chatbox) about the key features of each week’s topic. There is also the (optional) opportunity to take over the role of teacher and do three presentations in class during the year as well as a range of other optional fun add-on activities.
Students attend a weekly one hour webinar where we have lots of class discussions and debates (with me talking and the students typing in the chatbox) about the key features of each week’s topic. There is also the (optional) opportunity to take over the role of teacher and do three presentations in class during the year as well as a range of other optional fun add-on activities.
How It Supports Your Child's Education
For UK students and other students wishing to take UK-style exams, while the course does not lead directly to a specific IGCSE/GCSE qualification, the Modern World History-World Wars course introduces and reinforces many of the skills needed for successful progression to exam courses, and lays a solid foundation for those taking a wide range of GCSE and IGCSE options including the conflicts and attempts at maintaining peace across the first half of the 20th century.
For US students, this course can fulfil a high school credit in World and/or American History.
For US students, this course can fulfil a high school credit in World and/or American History.
Who Teaches The Two World Wars Course?
Yvonne Mason took her undergraduate degree in English Language and Literature, then an MA in Medieval Studies from Royal Holloway in London while working as a costumed historical interpreter at the Tower of London. She has bee working as an online tutor since 2001 in both English and history. She home educates her daughter, and is an avid embroiderer in her spare time. She has plans to study for a PhD in Medieval Studies very soon.See all courses taught by Yvonne