IBDP History: Prepare and deliver the new syllabus with confidence
A unique online training opportunity led by Russel Tarr of ActiveHistory
Friday 20th March 2026, International School of Toulouse, France
Overview of the course
- This event, taking place on ZOOM across two afternoons, will provide a fantastic opportunity for IBDP History teachers to obtain concrete, practical guidance and unique insights for all things relating to the new syllabus.
- The focus will be on providing attendees with simple, constructive advice and exclusive resources on how to make the most of the flexibility provided by the new syllabus and how to implement it most effectively in the classroom.
- The content and assessment of three exam Papers (as well as the Internal Asessment and Extended Essay) will be considered in turn. We will also discuss ways of linking these elements together in an overall curriculum map.
About the host
Russel Tarr is Head of History at the International School of Toulouse, administrator of the IBDP History Teachers: Support Group, and has been a teacher of IBDP History for more than 25 years. He is the author of the comprehensive IBDP History materials on ActiveHistory, as well as creator of the website ClassTools.net. He is also the author of "A History Teaching Toolbox" and "Essays in Modern World History". He regularly delivers in-person and online training events to teachers all over the world and is the organiser of the forthcoming Practical Pedagogies conference, also taking place in Toulouse in October 2026.
Timetable (subject to change and additions)
| Time | Title | Description |
| 08.30-08.55 | Welcome to IST | Meet and greet |
| 09.00-10.30 | Session 1 | Initial observations about the new syllabus Focus Point: Paper 1 (sourcework) - focus on the respective merits of the paired topics in terms of resourcing and overlaps with the other papers, and how to approach the new assessment model |
| 10.30-11.00 | Break | Refreshments provided |
| 11.00-12.30 | Session 2 | Focus Point: Paper 2 (Standard Level structured questions) - discussion of changes from the previous version on the paper in terms of content and assessment |
| 12.30-13.40 | Lunch | Provided by the school |
| 13.45-15.15 | Session 3 | Focus Point: Paper 3 (Higher Level Essays) - discussion of the new assessment model and the challenged and opportunities arising |
| 15.15-15.30 | Break | Refreshments provided |
| 15.30-16.30 | Session 4 | Drawing it together - producing your new Curriculum Map Observations about the IA / EE / TOK in History, and any new dimensions opened up by the new syllabus |
| 16.30-17.00 | Rounding off | Closing thoughts, informal tour of the school |
| 19.00 onwards | Evening event | Restaurant meal in central Toulouse (venue TBC, cost covered in the delegate fee) |
FAQ
What is the cost to attend?
Delegates are required to pay a fee of just 75 Euros in order to cover the cost of catering and to demonstrate a commitment to attend (since there are a maximum of 20 places available). This is strictly a not-for-profit grassroots event!
Is this event officially recognised by the IBO?
No. This event does not serve to replace the essential training offered by the IBO. Rather, it is an extremely cost-effective way of supplementing it with insights, resources and ideas from front-line classroom teachers in a friendly, supportive and collegial setting.
How do I get to the venue?
Toulouse is well-served by road, rail and air routes. The International School of Toulouse is about 15km from Toulouse city center and just 10km from Toulouse Blagnac airport. This Google Map shows how to get to the school from the airport. A one-way journey using Uber or similar from the city center costs about 20 Euros.
Where should I stay?
You are strongly recommended to shop around using TripAdvisor, Airbnb and similar websites to find something that caters to your exact tastes and budget. Although there are hotels near the school, it is recommended that you find somwhere in central Toulouse to make the most of the city!