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This workshop took place at the HA Annual Conference May 2016 in Harrogate. Sixth-form students applying to study history at university have no shortage of data about contact hours, league table rankings, employment rates and student satisfaction. What’s missing in university guides is comparative information about the periods, places, themes...

In this resource we have put together two sets of ideas for preparing students for the Great Debate. How to: organise activities for a debate club in preparation for the Great Debate research, structure and prepare a talk for the Great Debate The ideas will help students to engage with...

So you have decided to apply to study history at a top university. This guide is intended to help you through the process so that your application is as good as it can be. It is not intended to replace the help and advice you can get from the people...

Surviving the leap from GCSE to AS level History - the student view. For many students the transition from GCSE to AS level is one of the hardest stages of their school career. This is the stage where teachers begin to stop guiding you along every step of the way...

Students taking the International Baccalaureate have to study subjects from six groups, including maths, literature, science and a foreign language.  Three subjects are taken at Standard Level (SL) and three at Higher Level (HL).   There are two exam sessions a year - in November for the southern hemisphere and May...

How Do I Use Sources? The sources that you are likely to come across at A-Level will be either images or written sources and are usually primary (written or made at the time of study.) You will need to simply remember the skills that you have been developing since year...

History is not just about writing lots of essays! It is also about discussion, debate and evidence. However, there will be, as with many other subjects at A-Level, some essays to write - but it is not as tough as it looks. Essay writing is a skill that you will...

Reading at A-Level: Q: How much am I expected to read? At A-Level, in most subjects there is an expectation that you will read. History is no exception. This does not mean you have to go down to the library and get out 30 different books on Henry VIII and...

Analysing Portraits. The Elizabeth I Rainbow Portrait: On display at Hatfield House This is a portrait of Elizabeth I. Clearly this portrait was commissioned by either Elizabeth or an advisor. The majesty and symbolism in this portrait is designed to dazzle, inspire and intimidate various audiences. This is also a...

What is a synoptic essay and how do I write one? Writing the synoptic essay. Part of the A-Level History course now involves a synoptic element. This involves examining change and reasons for change over a fixed period of time. This is usually around 100 years. If you are writing...

What is History? History, the study of the past, is all around us; we are continually making history through our thoughts, words and actions. History is personal and global; it is everyday life and momentous occasions. History is about people. Through our study of the past, we can understand how...

Q: Why should I think about doing A-Level History? You enjoy history - that's why you chose it for GCSE... right? You were interested in what you studied for GCSE. You liked finding information for yourself, questioning historical sources, looking at both sides of the argument, making your own arguments....

The Personal Study Dealing With Significance. History courses at A-Level contain a personal study that ranges from 2,500- 4,000 words in length, depending upon the exam board. Many of these deal with the theme of significance. Here are some tips for your personal study as recommended by the National Archives: Choose...

At the Taunton/South West England heat of the Great Debate the head judge, Marcus Paul (Deputy Head of Queens College, Taunton), gave some valuable tips on public speaking. If you are interested in public speaking or want to take part in our next Great Debate competition this podcast will prove...

Preparing for your University Interview - A Quick Guide:   1. Learning Technologies Using UCAS Interview Preparation List of Questions Personal Statement Financial Support Access to Learning Fund   2. University Interviews in 10 tiny steps Steps toward a successful University Interview   3. Finding what University would best suit...

How to fill out your UCAS 1. How to Slideshow by BUCKS University     2. UCAS website Interactive tools for UCAS   3. Studential Website Studential.com was created in 2002 to provide in-depth information about going to university and the application process involved. Whilst their primary aim is to...