History Feedback

I found the course mind broadening and fun. There was not a single day when I did not leave without being in deep thought about a new idea I had been exposed to.

Rupert, Royal Grammar School Guildford

An excellent introduction to serious historical debates and a very useful medium for discussion in preparation for university entry. If you’re bringing strong opinions, feel ready to defend them: a tiring but rewarding intellectual challenge.

Grace, Alleyn’s School

The History Summer School definitely exceeded my expectations. Before attending the course, I had only studied small periods in history that were on my school’s syllabuses and had read the odd book on periods which I thought I may have found interesting. The course opened my eyes to so many different periods and historians which fascinated me. Never would I have expected that I now want to go to a library to read about Marxist or Annaliste history, let alone actually understand their key principles. The tutors’ enthusiasm rubbed off on all on the course and I met many people who I hope to stay in touch with, due to such similar interests.

Hayley, Tudor Hall School

 

The History Summer School was absolutely fantastic! The wide range of historical topics were extremely enjoyable to learn about, and I found out so many intriguing things about the subject. I feel that the knowledge I have gained is key to understanding History as an academic subject, and thus ensures my enthusiasm for History will continue and advance. The tutors were brilliant at encouraging us all to think, and at introducing ideas and possibilities that I had not considered. I also loved the engaging debates I had with students who share my interest in History, and made some good friends in the process. I would strongly recommend attending the Summer School; for me it delivered so much more than I expected.

Rachel, Chigwell School

The course was challenging enough that for the whole week I never felt that I was bored or wasting my time. We studied topics that we have never even touched on at school and the tutors were wonderfully friendly so we all felt we could contribute to a relaxed and stimulating discussion.

Anna, St Helen and St Katherine School

The course was fascinating as it delved into questions that are left unexplored in school History lessons. Each day ventures into a new area or approach to History, and the tutors are of an extremely high calibre! Of particular interest was Intellectual History and philosophical intepretations into the discipline. I left the course wishing it lasted longer!

Jayna, North London Collegiate School

The History Summer School will test every ounce of your historical knowledge and broaden your range on not only different events throughout history but also how these events are documented and recieved today.

William, St. George’s School, Harpenden

It was a really rewarding experience, which managed to present previously inaccessible areas of history in a manageable format, enhancing the skills I’d learned at school whilst also presenting me with new ideas that the A-level syllabus doesn’t leave scope to include.

Alex, Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls

I think the summer school is a great experience which has been essential for my understanding of history. It has allowed me to develop skills I had never explored and above all it was very much based on pupil interaction which meant that we were able to learn from each other as well as the tutors.

Georgia, The Lady Eleanor Holles School

The history summer course offers an invaluable opportunity to develop your historical skills and apply them to a range of histories. The fact that this is arranged in small classes creates a great opportunity to debate and formulate structured arguments. It always helps that the tutors are more than willing to answer questions about historical study at university! Overall, a highly useful and unmissable experience!

Oliver, Bishop’s Stortford College

It was incredibly valuable to be faced with totally new material and engage with it. Not only were the tutors a lot of fun but they challenged you to think across a new plain of thought.

Madeleine, St George’s VA School

I really enjoyed my week at the History Debate Chamber this summer – all the material covered was extremely useful as it deepened my understanding of topics that I have already covered at school, and introduced me to new areas and concepts. The debate and discussion with tutors and other students really helped me and I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone interested in history.

Annie, Benenden School

The history summer school was a brilliant experience! Consisting of a mixture of lectures, debates and plenty of group discussions, our tutors encouraged us to speak and participate at every opportunity. The teaching was excellent and I certainly believe that we made the best possible use of the time that we were there. Overall, I would definitely recommend the history course to anyone considering studying history at university or to anyone simply interested in learning more about the study of history itself!

Priya, North London Collegiate School

The summer school was incredibly helpful to me as it has enhanced my skills in studying history as well as teaching me about things I did not know. The atmosphere was brilliant and the freedom in the discussions made it much easier to learn.

Samuel, Stamford School

The history summer school is fantastic; the university style seminar structure and pace and variety of content further confirmed my passion for history and my desire to study it at a higher level.

Sophia, Beaconsfield High School

The History Summer School is more than something to put down on a form. Students learn about their subject in spades and walk away thinking about it in new ways. I could not recommend it more.

Harmish, Watford Grammar School for Boys

A fantastic experience, one which is useful for all and is great fun!

Shahram, Barnhill Community High School

I thoroughly enjoyed the Summer School. I found the topics covered highly interesting and challenging to study, with the tutors encouraging us to engage the topics head on, whilst also providing help where needed. Overall, a highly enjoyable and educating experience which I would recommend to all with a desire to study history!

Gideon, Ballymena Academy

The History Summer School was a perfect supplement to A Level history. It gave me the opportunity to explore alternative approaches to writing history and periods of history which aren’t in the school curriculum, which made me question my own assumptions about how history should be studied. It was also incredibly constructive to discuss with other historians opposing theories of historical enquiry and analysis, which provided me with a valuable insight into how history is studied at university level.

Lucy, Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School

I thoroughly enjoyed my week at the Debate Chamber History Summer School and would highly recommend it – the tutors are enthusiastic, positive and immensely knowledgable. It helped me to develop my views and awareness of various areas of historical study which will prove particularly useful in my final year at school. Thank you.

Lauren, City of London Freemen’s School

I first arrived unsure what to expect as I have never previously been on a course like this before. However, I soon thrived on being in an environment where other students share the same interest in history and the opportunity to learn from one another. Being tutored by people with such high academic achievements resulted in challenging and thought-provoking discussion and work. I found this course provided the opportunity to study history in a more general and challenging approach than at school which is a good experience for University. At school you are confined to one or two topics but this course helps to broaden your historical knowledge by investigating various different topic areas and gaining a better understanding of what history actually involves rather than just describing historical events.

Aaron, Charters School

The course material was informative and easy to grasp in no small part due to the excellence of the lecturers who appeared enthusiastic and knowledgeable throughout. The focus on discussion between students added a level of energy and focus far greater than conventional school lessons. A very worth while experience I would recommended to any prospective history students.

Alex, The Grange School

I have got to the point where I am deciding what subjects to take for A Level and university, this course really cemented for me the decision to take history and made me realize how much passion I have for the subject. A lot of the subjects on the course are not even touched upon in school and by going on the course I was able to learn about the things that really interest me and get a flavour of what studying history at university would be like. In addition, I was around people whose passion for history was at a similar level to mine and I was enabled to really enjoy what I was learning about without having to worry about asking too complicated a question or going outside the main topic.

Guinevere, Kent College Pembury

The Debate Chamber History summer school is a highly enjoyable and useful experience. The tutors are incredible, over the five days I learnt so many new things and developed my whole approach to the purpose of academic history. Another great part of the course is that you spend five days with people who love history too and sharing your ideas with them produces new thoughts and healthy debate! Thank you very much, I definitely hope to be back next year!

Sarah, King Edward’s  Senior School

The History masterclass was a brilliant opportunity to engage with areas of History that a classroom lesson wouldn’t allow, whilst being taught by enthusiastic tutors and meeting like-minded people.

Eve, Woodford County High School for Girls

I found the History Masterclass incredibly enjoyable but also very interesting and great fun.  The relaxed atmosphere ensured that the day did not feel like another regular school-day and the frequent discussion and debate ensured that new ideas and concepts were being  introduced all the time. The teacher was very friendly and welcoming and ensured that everyone had the opportunity to participate in every activity. Overall it was a great day and I would deffinately reccomend it to anyone wanting to broaden their understanding of what history is, as well as engaging in some of the debates that surround the study and presentation of history today.

Rachel, North London Collegiate School

I decided to go on this course because I wasn’t sure about whether studying History at University would be the right step for me, and if I am honest I wasn’t expecting that much, but I was blown away by the relevance of what the course was teaching, and actually how much I enjoyed the day. I thoroughly recommend going, even if you are unsure, because I had a great deal of fun, and I learnt about things I had never even considered. You don’t need to know anything outside of what you are already studying, this course just embellishes the foundations for knowledge that you already have, so don’t feel intimidated, because the tutors are very nice – they don’t bite! And all the other people who attend are budding historians who share some of the same passions as you do, so there is nothing to worry about.

Evie, Dr Challoner’s High School

The teacher initiated lots of very interesting discussion which the students then continued and expanded their ideas upon. The teacher was very engaging and I found the day both useful and enjoyable.

Rebecca, Channing School

The support, advice and debate were all exceptional. I cannot recommend it enough. Everyone could benefit from attending: those with only a slight interest in history would be stimulated, and those with greater interest refreshed and intrigued. I wholeheartedly commend it.

David, George Heriot’s School

The History Masterclass was an extremely enjoyable day which provided me with a whole new range of skills and large amounts of knowledge which I know will prove very helpful both for my A Level course and at University application. Our tutor was lively and welcoming, the format of the tutorials relaxed and interactive. It made me consider history in a whole new light and certainly outweighed any doubts I had about studying history at University. I would recommend debate chamber to anyone and look forward to doing more courses in the future!

Phillippa, Queen’s Gate School

Debate Chamber offers something which you won’t get anywhere else: a taste of what history is like, in it’s most fundamental form. With engaging tutors, and a relaxed environment, I highly recommend debate chamber to anyone who enjoys History for what it is.

Ross, Highams Park School

I would recommend this course to anyone who is on the borderline of deciding whether to do history or not, or if you have decided that you are going to do it at a level I think that it will help you a lot. the analytical skills you learn and the more complex concepts such as Annaliste historiography are explained in way that is easy to understand.

Tom, Allynes School

The History Masterclass was a truly inspirational day which far exceeded my expectations. It showed me History in a whole new light and I learned that there are so many more ways of understanding and interpreting historical events than I previously thought. It made me realise that even just the concept of History as a subject can spark numerous questions and debates and I also realised what some of my own answers to those questions would be and what I would argue in those debates. If you are at all interested in History I would definitely recommend the History Masterclass as a thoroughly enjoyable and extremely thought-provoking day which will fuel your passion for the subject and will leave you inspired and wanting to learn more.

Rosie, Dr Challoner’s High School

The History Masterclass was great. I really enjoyed it and I feel it will benefit me greatly. We were able to cover topics in such detail despite the little time we had.

Makhan, Barnhill School

It was very useful and informative regarding the nature of history itself, which is something rarely discussed at school.

Flora, Westminster School

It was a great experience because it gave me a chance to discuss and debate with other people who are considering doing history in the future. The course covered topics which wouldn’t necessarily be covered in school lessons so helped me gain a better understanding of history as a subject, instead of just one aspect. The course was definitely worthwhile and I would recommend it to anyone who has a particular interest in history!

Ru, Watford Grammar School for Girls

It’s a very helpful exercise if you’re considering studying history at university. It helps you to understand the different approaches to history!

Sophie, Sutton Valence School

It was interesting – introducing and exploring new aspects of history. Also, it gives a tiny taster of what history would be like at university. Overall it was a fantastic experience.

Jayne, Dr Challoner’s High School

I thought it was an excellent opportunity to see whether history would be a potential subject to study further. It helped me decide that I would love to do history beyond AS level and I learnt a lot about technique which will really help me in class.

Eleanor, Lady Margaret School

It is an exhilarating and enjoyable experience. I knew no one else on the course, but with a shared passion for history I fel comfortable right away. Seriously recommend if wanting to study history, or just find history interesting and want to broaden your knowledge on the subject.

Emma, St Edward’s School

The course was very enjoyable and I would recommend it because it makes you look at the subject from a new and interesting perspective.

Charlotte, Charterhouse School

The History Masterclass taught me a great deal about other approaches to studying History, many of which I had never before encountered. I also met a group of intelligent, like-minded students who could offer me help and advice. It felt as though I was working alongside the next generation of historians.

Jack, Sir Roger Manwood’s School

Amazing course! Recommend it to anyone whos debating studying history at university to persuade them and see if it’s really for them! Also just generally useful to help with the dreaded exam at the end of the summer! I really felt that the day broadened my knowledge as it was something that I definitely wasn’t likely to study in the classroom.

Emily, St Mary’s Ascot School

Really good insight into what history is like at university, with some really interesting and thought-provoking topics covered. Good environment where you felt comfortable debating and discussing views with other people who enjoy learning about history as much as you.

Amy, The School of St Helen and St Katharine

An interesting introduction to concepts not usually taught at school and a chance to engage with graduates about historical issues that concern experienced academics.

Matt, The Royal Grammar School

History Summer School helped me to approach history in a way that I hadn’t though of before. Its was really worth attending and I really enjoyed it!

Sami, North London Collegiate School

I didn’t really know what to expect from the course apart from the obvious impression that I would be studying history. It turned out to be more than that. The tutors took us through everything that needed to be explained and I came to realise there was more to history than I had first assumed. It made me more certain that history was what I wanted to study at university.

Beth, The Maynard School

I had an enjoyable few days discussing history with other enthusiastic young people on a complete variety of different historical periods and different issues of history. I would encourage as many people as possible to attend the course.

Freya, Benenden School

The History Summer School at the Debate Chamber is a great way to get ahead in history; I feel like I’ve now got a one-up on the other history students at my school, and something different to write on my personal statement for university. But most of all this course is just fascinating, stepping outside the well-trampled topics of the GCSE and A-level syllabuses and showing you a fresh side of history, like the interpretations of Witchcraft and the theories of Machiavelli and Hobbs. Having been on this course, I have a renewed enthusiasm and vigour for history; I can’t wait to get back to school and show off my new skills!

Ruby, Dauntseys School

This is much much better than school.

Daniel, William Ellis School

I really enjoyed the history summer school as it gave me the chance to study history indepth and understand different points of view in greater detail. I would recommend the course to anyone who is interested in history.

Jessica, Pimlico Academy

I had a very good time, made new friends and learnt a lot I wouldn’t necessarily have learnt in the classroom.

Sarah, North London Collegiate School

Highly qualified tutors teaching engrossing and challenging topics, allied with excellent support material in the form of a booklet means students cannot fail to take a range of positives from the course.

Robi, Bedford School

It was an incredibly useful experience and helped me broaden my idea of how to explore history and understand these different methods. A must if wanting to continue further study in history.

Henrietta, St Catherine’s School

I found the course very enjoyable I found it pushed me a lot further than I would otherwise be pushed in school. It covered a large range of topics that you would not otherwise come across and so I would recommend it to any on wanting to study history.

Ruth, Pimlico Academy

Really good. Helped me to understand and analyse sources better. Something good to write on your personal statement!

Marina, Farnborough School

A truly brilliant experience, even if you don’t intend on studying history at university. The variety of topics covered were not only interesting, but they always got the group and tutor debating over different historical issues that I’d never really covered before.

Tom, Colchester Royal Grammar School

This was a fantastic opportunity to broaden your knowledge about such a facinating subject as history. I learnt many new skills in a friendly environment and was able to talk with the tutors about studying history. It was overall a fantastic experience and I would highly reccomend to anyone who is considering history!

Ella, The Red Maids School, Bristol

I really enjoyed all aspects of the summer school, meeting new people, learning about  subjects in history I have never studied before. I particularly enjoyed the university styled lectures thus it was excellent preparation for university styled learning and I highly recommend it to anyone wishing to study history at degree level.

Alex, Poole Grammar School

The lectures encouraged group work, and allowed everyone to develop their own opinion while being taught by tutors who knew what they were talking about. It was a really good standard of discussion and it touched on topics that I had never been taught at school. A really enjoyable experience.

Joseph, Merchant Taylors Boys School

I found the History Summer School incredibly useful in confirming my desire to study history at university. It certainly gave me a much broader insight into the various topics and periods covered by the title ‘historical studies’, allowing me to expand my own knowledge and take interest in areas of history I have never learnt before. The structure of the day was also useful in that it gave me more of an idea of studying history for longer than the allotted hour at school. All of the tutors were friendly and helpful, even if I said something I was unsure of or thought did not sound quite right, they understood what I was trying to say and helped make everything we learnt much clearer. All in all it was a truly invaluable experience for me.

Zoe, Pate’s Grammar School

I enjoyed this course a lot and it helped me loads when deciding whether or not history at university is for me. The tutors were all interesting and helpful, and the course wasn’t so hard that it was unattainable.

Cariad, Stroud High School

The history summer school was a really useful experience, helping me to get a better sense of history as a subject outside public exam curriculum. It was also nice to learn about history in a more relaxed and fun environment, and to meet other people who enjoy history.

Francesca, Wycombe Abbey School

I find that at school, if you are slightly ahead for your class or on a completely different level to them, you are often held back as you must wait for everyone else to catch up. This is completely different on the Debate Chamber history course, I suddenly found myself with people of the same ability and passion as me for the subject, this made the course challenging but not too hard, and still extremely fun. It really gave me a taste of what learning history could be like in university.

Guinevere, Kent College

The history summer school pushed us budding historians further than normal school study could, helping us to develop not just our historical knowledge, but also inviting us to question more how we think about history. I found the tutors friendly, with a vast knowledge of their subject and the other people on the course open and easy to talk to.

Oliver, Dartford Grammar School

It was an extremely beneficial few days, which were packed full of numerous different topics; there was a really great range. It has encouraged me to pursue the study of certain areas of History I was previously unaware/uninterested in.

Abigail, Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School

If you are wondering whether or not to study History at University, or feel that the topics chosen by your school history department for AS level are not the ones you would like to have studied in detail, come along to the Summer History School. In 3 days you have the chance not only to experience an insight into different periods of history to ones you might have been studying at school (to help with those module choices they’ve been talking about on Open Days), but to meet the sorts of students, like you, who are thinking of applying to read History.  It is an excellent opportunity to “taste” other subjects, see how you shape up against other students, to work with and swap information and contact details with other prospective undergraduates and who knows? you might even make some new friends.  Reluctant at first at spending my valuable Summer back in school but very very glad that I did!

Thomas, Bishop Stortford College

A fascinating course, combining the learning of invaluable historical technique with some really interesting historical study. Has increased my confidence for university applications significantly!

Rhuairidh, The Perse School

The History Summer School was a very enriching experience and provides you with  a greater knowledge and understanding of history as a whole. It also gives great insight into how history would be studied at university level. It is definitely a very productive three days!

Phoebe, James Allen’s School for Girls

It was a very thought provoking and interesting three days which gave me a greater insight into what history will potentially be like at university as well as allowing me to develop and acquire new skills.

Isabel, Benenden School

It gave me a good idea as to what history at university will be like, and of study in small tutorial groups. The material covered, particularly that of historiography, gave me a good grounding in current historical debate. It will certainly help me at interview and in the writing of my personal statement.

Sophie, Dr Challoner’s School

The History Summer School run by Debate Chamber was a pleasure to participate in, mainly due to the enthusiastic teachers, who being relatively young academics, were approachable and inspiring.  The subjects covered although diverse and uncommon, in that they were not commonly found on the school syblabus, were all the more fascinating because of this.  The teachers themselves, having fairly recently gone through the application process were extremely helpful in providing accurate information and advice about UCAS.  Therefore, if anyone was seeking an enjoyable and informative history experience I would recommend Debate Chamber’s History Summer School.

Elsa, James Allen’s Girls School

I found the History Summer School really useful if you are trying to decide what degree you will do at university. On top of this the teachers are very helpful if you have any extra questions and you will meet people and make friends who share extremely similar interests to you. Its good fun.

Isobel, Southbank International School

I would definitely recommend this course to anyone who is considering studying history at university. The course covered a wide range of themes which allowed me to learn about topics which I had never come across before. The lecturers were also very friendly and encouraged us to approach history in new ways.

Alice, Stroud High School

I had a very enjoyable three days studying History at Debate Chamber and would recommend it to anyone trying to decide whether History is the right degree for them. All the tutors were exceptional; extremely helpful and friendly and knew their field very well. The topics we covered were interesting and really stretched my mind beyond those topics I have studied at A level, giving me an insight into some of the options I will have the opportunity to study at University.

Jennifer, Latymer Upper School

The debate chamber was the perfect way to test whether I really wanted to study history at university. It covers a broad range of topics and is particularly helpful in furthering your source skills.

Kate, Ipswich School

I thought it was very useful experience and that those contemplating doing history at university should definitely consider as it has furthened and developed my desire to do history as university, as well as prepared me for what to expect to get out of further study of this topic at degree level.

Hannah, Lady Margaret School

I would definitely recommend this course to others. I did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did. The work was interesting and I can see how I can use some of the material in the future. Also, it will be good to have this experience on my personal statement when applying to studying History at University.

Edward, St Benedict’s School