History Exam Skills

date tbc • University of London Union • 10.30-4.30

Whether it’s the rise of Hitler or the fall of King Richard you are being tested on, there are some skills all historians need to succeed.

The best History A Level answers draw on and evaluate a wide range of evidence, analyse a number of factors with depth and sensitivity. They offer a nuanced assessment of several competing points of view and express a persuasive independent judgement. They draw on classroom learning, textbooks, primary and secondary sources. They are works of synthesis and criticism, clearly structured, with strong introductions and conclusions. They make a clear argument, driven by analysis not narrative, and supported by precise dates and names and use of correct terminology.

That’s a lot to think about in 45 minutes.

With all those criteria to worry about even the most able candidates can end up missing out on the marks they deserve. The Debate Chamber History Exam Skills day is devoted to helping you hit those high marks.  The topics we cover will include on how to plan essays, use of sources, theories of history and the correct use of technical vocabulary. Working in small groups, we will discuss what makes an effective answer, and how to use all the knowledge you have learned to the greatest effect.

During the course you will learn by doing – you will practice responding to sources, refining arguments,and defending your interpretation of events. You will work out arguments through debate and discussion as well as producing short pieces of writing under the guidance of tutors.

The course is suitable for all students taking AS/A2 History with Edexcel, OCR or AQA this summer and expecting a grade B or above.

Programme includes:

• How to make more sophisticated and persuasive arguments
• Talking History: useful technical vocabulary
• Evaluating competing factors
• Presenting and analysing evidence
• Writing effective introductions and conclusions
• Using primary sources
• Causation, consequence, continuity and change
• Historiography: theories of history, and how to put them to use at A Level

Debate Chamber History Tutors

Ben Jasper

Ben is completing the second year of his M.Phil in Politics at Wadham College, Oxford having graduated from there with a first class degree in Modern History. He has a wide range of interests ranging from the history of political thought to the role of the military in Sub-Saharan Africa. He is also an experienced debater and coach and has taught university and school students throughout the world with recent trips to Hong Kong, Japan and Lebanon.

Subodhana Wijeyeratne

Subodhana holds a first class degree in History from Emmanuel College, Cambridge. His academic interests include the interaction of culturally and ethnically distinct groups, such as the lives of Jews during the Islamic Caliphate and 19th and 20th century Japanese perceptions of foreigners. He was elected President of the Emmanuel College Student Union in 2003 and President of the Tottori chapter of the Association of Japan Exchange and Teaching in 2005. He is currently a Masters student in Japanese Studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London.

Jon Leader Maynard

Jonathan Leader Maynard graduated from King’s College London in 2008 with the top first in War Studies and a first in History, and is now studying his two year MPhil in Political Theory at University College, Oxford. A European Debating Champion and Best Speaker, and World Debating Championship Grand Finalist, he is also Chair of the English National Universities Debating Council. His interests include the place of moral theory in political ideologies, the history of modern political thought, and ethics in international relations.

Book a Place

Please note this course is only suitable for students expecting a B or above in their A or AS Level exam this summer.

The fee for the History Exam Skills Session is £85 per student. If more than one exam skills session is booked together then the cost is £155 per student for two events or £195 per student for three. Debate Chamber offers a limited number of full and partial bursaries for students who would otherwise have difficulty attending. To book a place please call 0845 519 4827, email info@debatechamber.com or fill out the form below.

If you are an History A Level teacher interested in holding an Exam Skills session in your school, please see the in-school events page for further information.