BOOK REVIEWS

Wide reading is EXCELLENT preparation not only in History (especially A2) but also for university. Here are some of the books AS students seem to find interesting and useful for Unit 2 when they did their reading assignment.

Gordon Wood's book The American Revolution was recommended by many. It's a very easy to read and well written narrative account of the whole crisis. Many also found Keith Perry's book British Politics and the American Revolution useful for looking at the British side of events. (Very important as this is a British history module!) And for those who want something a little more challenging you could try Peter Whiteley's Lord North: The Prime Minister Who Lost America. All these books are in the College library and if they are not for you, ask Rachel to help you find something else.

WHERE IT ALL HAPPENED

To help learn the battles of the War of Independence have a look at this super interactive map site. You can go through the events chronologically as well as test your knowledge.

LIVING THROUGH HISTORY

A few weeks ago politics teacher Kate Boon organised a visit from Cabinet Minister Andy Burnham, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. The students were invited to submit questions to put to the Secretary (or Andy as they now call him) and he also spoke to them about his work and views. It was a tremendous opportunity for the politics students, many of whom also do history, and they realised they could be meeting a future primie minister. Thanks to Kate and Andy the day was a terrific success. Students talked about the event being an 'eye opener'and how he put a 'realistic and refreshing face on the Labour Party'. It was summarised nicely by the student who said: 'It was a great opportunity and it was nice to see a politician talking openly and truthfully on most topics. Thank you.'

THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR

This page has a really good interactive timeline with information on most of the topics you need for Unit 2. The web site also has an online textbook and is run by the Independence Hall Association: we will visit Independence Hall next February as part of the history trip.

There is also a fun site run by the National Archive where you can add your own name to the Declaration of Independence and print out your signed copy!

VOTES FOR WOMEN

Radio 4 today is discussing the issue of women's suffrage. You can hear Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss suffragism, the movement for women's voting rights at 21.30 on Thursday night or you can hear it later through the BBC iplayer. Don't forget this is an important topic on the Unit 5 paper.

US TRIP

The 2010 trip to New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC is going ahead. Remember to bring in your second deposit and the permission slip as soon as possible. There is now a waiting list so if deadlines are not met you could lose your place.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE BLOG FOR UPDATES!

THE VICTORIANS

Many of you doing Unit 5 have never studied the 19th century before. Take a look at a couple of quizzes on the Yesterday web site to learn more about the Victorian era. And more directly useful for the exam try out the BBC quiz on the changing rights of women in this period.

EASTER REVISION

Make sure you check the Easter revision timetables for the relevant history sessions.

Also see the timetables in classrooms for the sessions taking place at luncthimes after the holidays.