Bridging School and University: A-Level Historians Immerse Themselves in Academic Inquiry
Year 12 and 13 historians spent a stimulating and academically rigorous day in London as they attended the History in Action conference at the Emmanuel Centre, Westminster. The programme centred on their A Level core topic—Democracy and Dictatorship in Germany—and provided a rare opportunity for pupils to engage directly with leading academic voices shaping current scholarship.
Throughout the conference, students participated in lectures led by five distinguished historians whose research continues to influence interpretations of modern German history. Among them was Sir Richard Evans, one of the most eminent scholars of the period, whose analysis of coercion and consent in Nazi Germany encouraged pupils to interrogate the mechanisms through which authoritarian regimes secure legitimacy. His lecture, like those of the other speakers, prompted students to refine their critical thinking and to question established historical narratives.
For those considering university study, the event offered a valuable insight into the nature of academic debate and the processes through which historical arguments are constructed, challenged and revised. Hearing experts grapple with contested evidence and historiographical tensions helped students deepen their evaluative skills and gain a clearer sense of what advanced historical study entails.
The day began with a historical walking tour from Charing Cross to Westminster, led by Mr Salvage. This exploration of the legacy of the British Empire within the built environment of central London invited students to consider how history is embedded—sometimes visibly, sometimes invisibly—within the civic landscape.
Taken together, the conference and tour underscored the intellectual value of historical study: understanding the forces that shape societies, questioning assumptions, and developing informed perspectives on power and governance. Our Sixth Form historians returned enriched by scholarly insight, equipped with extensive notes, and energised for the academic challenges ahead.
