News

Extension opportunities for historians

This year, Sixth Form historians have had the privilege of attending a fascinating seminar series delivered by leading academic historians, each expert a specialist in their respective field. These talks have provided us with a rare opportunity to engage with cutting-edge historical research, deepening our understanding of our A Level syllabi while also broadening our awareness of the vast range of historical enquiry which exists beyond the curriculum. 

We are especially fortunate to have heard from such distinguished speakers, hailing from institutions including Oxford and Cambridge Universities, the London School of Economics and the European University Institute. Their seminars have given us an opportunity to ask probing questions and explore the nuances of a wide range of historical topics, including the English Civil Wars, tsarist and Soviet Russia, and nineteenth century European nationalism and international relations. 

Particular highlights included Professor John Morrill’s post‑revisionist considerations of the Civil Wars as a War of Three Kingdoms, and Professor Polly Jones’ perspective of Khrushchev’s de‑Stalinisation as a series of thaws and subsequent periods of freezing. 

For students studying A Level History, opportunities like this are invaluable. Listening to experts discuss their own research with such passion has brought history to life in an inspiring way, demonstrating that history is not simply the study of the past, but an active and evolving discipline which is shaped by ongoing scholarship. They have encouraged us to think more critically, ask more ambitious questions, and appreciate the depth and diversity of historical study. 

Ultimately, the lecture and seminar series has been both intellectually stimulating and highly enriching, and we are incredibly grateful to Dr Bevan for organising the programme and to both Dr Bevan and Mr Drennan for hosting and chairing the sessions. 

Emma N, (Head of School, 2025–26 and A Level historian)